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
値下がり
ねさがり (nesagari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "price" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 値段 and 値下がり.
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, 値下がり (ねさがり (nesagari)) maps to "price drop, fall in price" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The opposite of 値上がり. Refers to a decrease in price. Can be a noun. 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 "値下がり"
スーパーで野菜が値下がりしていたので、たくさん買った。
Vegetables were cheaper at the supermarket, so I bought a lot.
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?". "値下がり" represents "price drop, fall in price".