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
価格
かかく (kakaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "price" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 値段 and 価格.
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, 価格 (かかく (kakaku)) maps to "price; cost; value (in monetary terms)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the price, value, or cost of products or services. Often used as 価格競争 or 希望小売価格. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Price! "Haruka-san's hand-holding is priceless!" ...っ! P-Priceless! T-To say such an advanced romantic phrase! B-But since your hand is also of infinite value to me, keep holding it forever!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『かかく（価格）！『ハルカさんと手を繋ぐ価値は、プライスレス（無限大）です！』って…っ！プライスレスだなんて！バカ！…でも、あんたの手の温もりは、私にとっても世界最高の価値なんだからね！』. 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 "価格"
原材料費の高騰や円安の長期化に耐えかねて、多くの食品メーカーが商品の小売_______を一斉に引き上げる決断を下しました。
Unable to bear the soaring cost of raw materials and the prolonged depreciation of the yen, many food manufacturers made the decision to raise the retail prices of their products all at once.
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?". "価格" represents "price; cost; value (in monetary terms)".