Translation and Meaning of: 料金 - ryoukin

The Japanese word 「料金」 (ryoukin) is composed of two distinct kanji: 「料」 and 「金」。The kanji 「料」 is generally associated with concepts like materials or costs, while 「金」 refers to money or gold. When combined, the kanji form the term 「料金」, which is commonly translated as "fee" or "charge". This expression is widely used in financial contexts, especially when discussing prices for services and products.

The etymology of 「料」 traces back to the idea of "measuring" or "calculating," historically linked to the act of assessing substances or goods. This radical is frequently used in words related to calculation or measurement. On the other hand, the kanji 「金」 has its roots in the representation of the precious metal gold, but over time it evolved to mean generically "money." This combination of ideograms results in a word that refers to a calculated monetary amount or the cost of a service.

In everyday practice in Japan, we find 「料金」 in various situations, such as when paying for public transport, visiting a museum, or even when contracting telephone and internet services. The use of the term continues to be a fundamental pillar in Japanese financial vocabulary, reflecting not only the price a consumer must pay but also incorporating additional values in certain contexts, such as the charging of taxes or service fees.

In addition to its common use, 「料金」 also integrates into various other compound words to describe specific types of fees. For example, 「入場料金」 (nyuujo ryoukin) refers to the entrance fee, while 「電気料金」 (denki ryoukin) pertains to the electricity tariff. This adaptability of the term 「料金」 demonstrates its importance and versatility in the Japanese language, facilitating clear communication about costs associated with goods and services.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 値段 (nedan) - Price, value; it often refers to the price of a specific item.
• 価格 (kakaku) - Price, value; used in more general contexts, including market assessment.
• 料金額 (ryoukingaku) - Fare amount; it refers to a specific sum to be paid for the service provided.
• 費用 (hiyou) - Cost, expenses; it implies a value that encompasses a broader expenditure, not necessarily related to a specific item.
• 代金 (daikin) - Payment, amount to be paid; can refer to any type of payment, often used in transactions.

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料金

Romaji: ryoukin
Kana: りょうきん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: rate; charge; fee

Meaning in English: fee;charge;fare

Definition: The amount paid for the provision of services or goods.

Example Sentences - (料金) ryoukin

See below some example sentences:

料金はいくらですか？

Ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?

What is the price?

How much does this cost?

• 料金 - means "price" in Japanese.
• は - It is a topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "price".
• いくら - means "how much" in Japanese and is used to ask about the price of something.
• ですか - It is a polite way to ask in Japanese, equivalent to "is" or "are" in English.