Translation and Meaning of: 会計 - kaikei

The Japanese word 会計[かいけい] is essential for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Whether to understand financial transactions, accounting, or even the moment of paying the bill in a restaurant, this term appears in various everyday contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical use, and even some tips to memorize it easily.

Meaning and use of 会計

会計 can be translated as "accounting" or "finances," but its meaning goes beyond that. In Japan, the word is often used to refer to the act of settling a bill, such as in restaurants or bars. When a customer requests the bill, it is common to hear "お会計をお願いします" (O-kaikei onegaishimasu), which means "Please, the bill."

In addition, the term also appears in business contexts, such as in 会計士 (kaikeishi), which means "accountant." The flexibility of 会計 makes it a useful word for both informal and professional situations, showing how Japanese often blends the everyday and the technical into a single term.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 会計 is made up of two kanji: 会 (kai), which means "meeting" or "gathering," and 計 (kei), which refers to "calculation" or "measurement." Together, they convey the idea of "calculating something together," which makes sense in both a financial context and in the act of settling a bill in a group.

Interestingly, the kanji 会 also appears in words like 会社 (kaisha – company) and 会議 (kaigi – meeting), always conveying the notion of collectivity. Meanwhile, 計 is used in terms like 計算 (keisan – calculation) and 計画 (keikaku – plan), reinforcing its connection to numbers and organization.

Tips for memorizing 会計

An effective way to remember 会計 is to associate it with practical situations. If you've ever been to a Japanese restaurant, you might have heard someone call the waiter saying "kaikei onegaishimasu". This everyday experience helps to fix the term in your memory naturally.

Another tip is to create a mental image: imagine a group of friends gathered (会) calculating (計) how much each one should pay at the end of the meal. This visual association can be useful for those who are starting to learn Japanese and want to expand their vocabulary in a contextualized way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 財務 (Zaimu) - Finance refers to the management of financial resources and accounting.
• 管理 (Kanri) - Management refers to the administration of resources and people.
• 精算 (Seisan) - Reconciliation, verification process, and adjustment of financial expenses.
• 計算 (Keisan) - Calculation refers to the mathematical operation or financial calculation.
• 財政 (Zaisei) - Financial policy refers to the management and governmental policies related to public finances.

会計

Romaji: kaikei
Kana: かいけい
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: account; finance; counter; treasurer; payer; calculation; account

Meaning in English: account;finance;accountant;treasurer;paymaster;reckoning;bill

Definition: Methods and mechanisms for registering and aggregating economic activities related to transactions and understanding the financial situation.