Translation guide
The English word "costs" can refer to the money needed for something, the negative consequences of an action, or legal expenses. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the amount of money required to buy, produce, or maintain something.
General term for expenses or costs, used in both formal and everyday contexts.
Referring to the loss, damage, or effort required to achieve something.
Referring to court fees or legal expenses.
The English idiom 'at all costs' is not directly translated. Use 何としても (なんとしても) or どうしても for 'no matter what'.
I want to make it succeed at all costs.
How much are the moving costs?
Living costs are rising.
Loanword from English, common in business and technical contexts.
We need to reduce manufacturing costs.
Refers to business expenses or operating costs, often used in accounting.
I'll settle the travel costs.
Suffix meaning 'charge' or 'fee', attached to specific items like phone bills or repair costs.
The repair costs were high.
Implies a price paid or sacrifice made, often used in serious contexts.
The cost of success was great.
Means 'sacrifice', often used when something valuable is given up.
We achieved peace at great cost.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'the costs come back to you', used for delayed negative consequences.
If you keep pushing yourself, the costs will catch up with you someday.
Standard term for legal costs or litigation expenses.
The losing party bears the legal costs.