Translation guide
The lowest price for a ride or service, often used for taxis, buses, and transportation in Japan.
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.
The taxi minimum fare is 500 yen.
Also means initial minimum fare, slightly more casual than 初乗り運賃.
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.
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.
The lowest price charged for any service, like delivery, admission, or usage fee.
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.
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.
The minimum fare for a taxi in Tokyo is 500 yen.
Is there a minimum fare for the bus?
Sometimes used for trains or buses, but more typical for taxis. Understandable in context.
The minimum fare for this train is 140 yen.
Base fee, often used for utilities or subscriptions, implying a minimum charge before usage-based fees.
The electricity base charge is billed every month.