Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Price" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "price", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
値段
ねだん (nedan)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
代金
だいきん (daikin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "price" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 値段 and 代金.
In Japanese, 値段 (ねだん (nedan)) is typically associated with "price" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to inquire about or state the cost of an item. Often seen with 高い.
On the other hand, 代金 (だいきん (daikin)) maps to "price, charge, cost, payment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the money paid for goods or services. Similar to 料金. A literal translation of "price" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "値段"
このかばんの値段はいくらですか。
How much is the price of this bag?
Bilingual Context for "代金"
商品の代金はいくらですか。
How much is the payment for the product?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このかばんの ＿＿＿ はいくらですか。" (Meaning: "How much is the price of this bag?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "値段" fits here because it means "price" in the context of: "How much is the price of this bag?". "代金" represents "price, charge, cost, payment".