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 handling fee applies when purchasing tickets.
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.
Consultation fee or doctor's visit fee.
The consultation fee is covered by insurance.
Lawyer's fee or legal expenses.
The lawyer's fee is too high to pay.
Remuneration or fee for professional services, often used in formal contexts.
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.
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.
成功報酬として料金の20%をいただきます。
We charge a 20% contingency fee.