Translation guide
The lowest price for a ride or service, often used for taxis, buses, and transportation in Japan.
初乗り運賃は500円です。
The minimum fare is 500 yen.
The base fare charged as soon as you get in a taxi or start a ride, before distance or time adds more.
Standard term for the initial minimum fare for taxis. Commonly seen on taxi rate stickers.
タクシーの初乗り運賃は500円です。
The taxi minimum fare is 500 yen.
Also means initial minimum fare, slightly more casual than 初乗り運賃.
このタクシー会社の初乗り料金はいくらですか？
What is the minimum fare for this taxi company?
Literally 'lowest fare', used in formal contexts or for regulations, but less common in daily conversation.
最低運賃は法律で定められています。
The minimum fare is set by law.
The lowest fare charged for a bus or train ride, regardless of distance, often for a short segment.
Used for buses and trains to indicate the minimum fare, often displayed on fare tables.
バスの最低運賃は210円です。
The bus minimum fare is 210 yen.
Sometimes used for trains or buses, but more typical for taxis. Understandable in context.
この電車の初乗り運賃は140円です。
The minimum fare for this train is 140 yen.
The lowest price charged for any service, like delivery, admission, or usage fee.
General term for minimum charge, used for various services beyond transportation.
駐車場の最低料金は1時間300円です。
The parking lot minimum charge is 300 yen per hour.
Base fee, often used for utilities or subscriptions, implying a minimum charge before usage-based fees.
電気の基本料金は毎月かかります。
The electricity base charge is billed every month.
初乗り運賃 specifically means the initial fare for taxis (and sometimes other transport), while 最低運賃 is a broader term for any minimum fare, including buses and trains. In casual speech, people often just say 初乗り (hatsunori) for taxi minimum fare.
初乗りは500円です。
The starting fare is 500 yen.
When asking about taxi fares, it's common to simply ask 「初乗りいくらですか？」 (How much is the starting fare?). The word 運賃 (unchin) is often omitted in casual conversation.
東京のタクシーの初乗り運賃は500円です。
The minimum fare for a taxi in Tokyo is 500 yen.
バスに最低運賃はありますか？
Is there a minimum fare for the bus?