Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'low price' depends on context. The most common and natural word is 安い (yasui), meaning 'cheap' or 'inexpensive'. For more formal or business settings, 低価格 (teikakaku) is used. There are also nuanced terms like 格安 (kakuyasu) for 'bargain price' and 廉価 (renka) for 'low price' in formal writing.
Describe something as having a low price in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word for 'cheap' or 'inexpensive'. Can be used for goods, services, and prices. Note that 安い can sometimes imply low quality, so context matters.
この店は値段が安い。
This store has low prices.
もっと安いのはありますか？
Do you have a cheaper one?
Means 'reasonable' or 'affordable', often used in marketing or when recommending something as good value. Has a positive nuance compared to 安い.
お手頃な価格のレストランを探しています。
I'm looking for a reasonably priced restaurant.
Refer to low prices in formal, business, or technical contexts.
The standard formal term for 'low price'. Used in business, economics, and product descriptions. Neutral and objective.
当社は低価格で高品質な製品を提供します。
We offer high-quality products at low prices.
A formal, somewhat literary term for 'low price' or 'inexpensive'. Often seen in product labels or formal documents. Less common in speech.
Emphasize that a price is exceptionally low, like a bargain or deal.
Means 'bargain price' or 'exceptionally cheap'. Commonly used in advertising for flights, tickets, and sales.
格安航空券を探しています。
I'm looking for a bargain airfare.
Slang term meaning 'super cheap' or 'dirt cheap'. Very casual, often used in store signs and advertisements.
この店は激安だよ！
This store is super cheap!
Talk about a price that has been lowered or discounted.
Noun meaning 'price reduction' or 'discount'. Often used with する to mean 'to lower the price'.
来月から値下げします。
We will lower the price from next month.
Means 'discount' (e.g., 10% off). Used for specific percentage or amount discounts.
While 安い simply means 'low price', it can sometimes carry a nuance of 'cheaply made' or 'low quality'. In situations where you want to emphasize good value without negative connotations, consider using お手頃 (reasonable) or リーズナブル (reasonable, from English).
安い is the everyday word for 'cheap'. 低価格 is more formal and objective, suitable for business or technical descriptions. Use 安い in conversation and 低価格 in reports or formal presentations.
A low-priced version of the software was released.
この商品は20%割引です。
This item is 20% off.