Translation and Meaning of: 値段 - nedan
If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 値段[ねだん]. It frequently appears in everyday situations, especially when the topic is shopping, negotiations, or budgets. In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and some peculiarities of this essential word for those who want to communicate in Japan or learn more about the local culture.
The term 値段 [ねだん] carries with it not only a practical meaning but also interesting cultural nuances. We will discuss its writing in kanji as well as tips for memorizing it easily. If you want to know how the Japanese talk about prices and values, keep reading to discover everything about this very useful word.
Meaning and usage of 値段[ねだん]
The word 値段 [ねだん] means "price" in Japanese, but not just any price. It specifically refers to the monetary value of a product or service, what you pay when buying something. Unlike other words like 価格 [かかく] (which has a more technical or formal tone), 値段 is used in everyday conversations, such as in markets, stores, or when asking how much something costs.
An interesting detail is that 値段 can carry a certain subjectivity. While 価格 is more neutral, 値段 sometimes brings an idea of perceived value, especially in informal contexts. For example, when saying "この値段は高いね" (This price is high, isn't it?), there is a personal evaluation embedded in the speech. This shows how the word is linked not only to numbers but also to people's perceptions of cost and benefit.
Origin and writing in kanji
The word 値段 consists of two kanji: 値, which means "value" or "price," and 段, which can indicate "level" or "step." Together, they form the idea of an established value, something that has been placed at a certain level. This combination well reflects the concept of price as a fixed value for products and services.
It is worth noting that the kanji 値 also appears in other words related to value, such as 価値[かち] (value in the sense of merit) and 数値[すうち] (numerical value). The character 段 is versatile, present in terms like 階段[かいだん] (staircase) and 段階[だんかい] (phase, stage). Understanding these components can help memorize not only 値段 but also other words in Japanese vocabulary.
Tips for memorizing and using 値段
An effective way to memorize 値段 is to associate it with real situations. Imagine yourself in a store in Japan, asking "値段はいくらですか？" (How much does it cost?). This simple phrase already puts the word in a practical context, making it easier to remember. Another tip is to pay attention when you hear the word in animes, dramas, or videos about shopping in Japan.
Interestingly, 値段 is one of those words that Japanese people use from an early age. Children learn to ask "これの値段は？" (What is the price of this?) when they go shopping with their parents. This use from childhood shows how the term is rooted in daily life. For Japanese language learners, focusing on examples like this can be more helpful than memorizing loose lists of vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 価格 (kakaku) - Price (usually used in more formal or economic contexts)
- 料金 (ryoukin) - Cost or fee (often used for services, such as transportation or subscriptions)
- 値段設定 (nedan settei) - Definition of price (referring to the act of setting a price for a product)
- 金額 (kingaku) - Amount (total value associated with a sum of money)
Romaji: nedan
Kana: ねだん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: price; cost
Meaning in English: price;cost
Definition: Money or goods paid in transactions of goods or services.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (値段) nedan
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (値段) nedan:
Example Sentences - (値段) nedan
See below some example sentences:
Kono shouhin no nedan wa takasugiru
The price of this product is too high.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 値段 - noun meaning "price" or "value"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 高すぎる - adjective meaning "very expensive" or "very high"
Kono shouhin no nedan wa gohyaku en inai desu
The price of this product is up to 500 yen.
The price of this product is within 500 yen.
- この商品の値段は - indicates the subject of the sentence, which is the price of the product in question
- 500円 - the value of the product price
- 以内 - means "within" or "up to", indicating that the price does not exceed 500円
- です - is a sentence-ending particle, indicating that the information is a statement
nedan ga takai desu
The price is high.
- 値段 - price
- が - subject particle
- 高い - expensive
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
