Translation guide
The English word "fee" refers to a payment made for a service, right, or admission. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: whether it's a service charge, tuition, admission, a professional fee, or a handling charge. This guide organizes the most common Japanese expressions by the type of fee.
A fee charged for a service, often recurring or one-time, such as a membership fee, usage fee, or processing fee.
The most general term for a fee or charge for a service or usage. Used for utilities, transportation, phone bills, etc.
Pay the electricity fee.
How much is the fee for this service?
A handling or processing fee, often for administrative tasks, bank transfers, or ticket purchases.
The transfer fee is borne by the customer.
A usage fee, often for facilities or equipment rental.
The gym usage fee is 500 yen per hour.
Membership fee or dues for a club, organization, or association.
The annual membership fee is 3,000 yen.
Fees paid for education, such as tuition, enrollment, or examination fees.
A fee to enter a place like a museum, park, or event.
A fee paid to a professional for their services.
A regular fee for a subscription service, membership, or maintenance.
料金 (ryōkin) is a general fee for services or usage. 手数料 (tesūryō) is specifically a handling or processing fee. 代金 (daikin) is the price or charge for goods, not services. Use 代金 when buying a product, and 料金 for services.
The English word 'fee' can often be translated as 料金, but in many contexts a more specific word is natural. For example, 'entrance fee' is 入場料, not 入場の料金. Always check if a compound word exists.
チケット購入時に手数料がかかります。
A handling fee applies when purchasing tickets.
The enrollment fee is 200,000 yen.
受験料を振り込みました。
I paid the examination fee.
The museum entrance fee is free.
The lawyer's fee is too high to pay.
成功報酬として料金の20%をいただきます。
We charge a 20% contingency fee.