Translation guide
A one-time payment required to join a club, gym, school, or organization. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with specific compound nouns.
The standard term for a one-time fee paid when becoming a member.
The most common and general term for an initiation fee. Used for gyms, clubs, schools, and many membership-based organizations.
このジムの入会金はいくらですか？
How much is the initiation fee for this gym?
入会金は無料です。
The initiation fee is free.
Similar to 入会金, but often used for insurance, cooperatives, or formal membership systems. Slightly more bureaucratic.
保険の加入金はいくらですか？
How much is the enrollment fee for the insurance?
A fee paid at the start of a course, school, or program, often separate from tuition.
Specifically for schools, universities, or educational programs. This is a one-time fee upon enrollment.
大学の入学金は30万円です。
The university enrollment fee is 300,000 yen.
Used for registration fees in various contexts, such as online services, rental services, or professional associations. Less specific to membership initiation.
会員登録料は無料です。
The membership registration fee is free.
入会金 is for joining clubs, gyms, or general organizations. 入学金 is specifically for entering a school or educational institution. Using the wrong one can sound odd.
ジムの入会金が高い。
The gym initiation fee is high.
大学の入学金を払った。
I paid the university enrollment fee.