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
値下
ねさげ (nesage)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "price" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 値段 and 値下.
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, 値下 (ねさげ (nesage)) maps to "price cut; price reduction" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act of lowering prices. Often used with する as a verb. 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 "値下"
売れ残った服を値下げして販売しました。
We sold the leftover clothes at a reduced price.
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?". "値下" represents "price cut; price reduction".