Translation guide
The English word "expense" refers to money spent on something, often in the context of business, personal finance, or accounting. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 費用 (hiyou), but other words like 経費 (keihi) and 出費 (shuppi) are used in specific contexts. This guide helps you choose the right word based on the situation.
To refer to the money needed to pay for something, such as living costs, travel, or project costs.
The most general and widely used word for 'expense' or 'cost'. It can be used for personal, business, or project expenses.
How much are the travel expenses?
Living costs are a big monthly expense.
Refers to money spent or outlays, often from a personal or household budget perspective. It emphasizes the act of spending.
I had a lot of expenses this month.
To refer to expenses that are incurred for business purposes and can be claimed for tax deductions or reimbursement.
To express that something is achieved by sacrificing or causing harm to something else.
This pattern means 'at the expense of ~' or 'at the sacrifice of ~'. It is used when something is gained but something else is lost or harmed.
He succeeded at the expense of his health.
We should not pursue economic growth at the expense of the environment.
Also means 'at the expense of', but slightly more formal or literary. 代償 means 'price' or 'compensation'.
To refer to a system where an employer pays for employee's business expenses.
A common phrase meaning 'to expense it' or 'to put it on the expense account'. Literally 'to drop it into expenses'.
Let's put this meal on the expense account.
Means 'company expense' or 'on the company'. Used when the company pays for something.
Transportation expenses are covered by the company.
費用 (hiyou) is the general term for cost or expense. 経費 (keihi) is specifically for business or tax-deductible expenses. 出費 (shuppi) emphasizes money going out, often from a personal budget. Use 費用 for most situations, 経費 for business contexts, and 出費 when talking about personal spending.
The English idiom 'at the expense of' does not use the word 費用. Instead, use ～を犠牲にして (～をぎせいにして) or similar patterns. A literal translation would be unnatural.
Necessary expenses; often used in tax contexts to refer to deductible costs.
Will it be recognized as a necessary expense?
They gained safety at the expense of freedom.