Translation guide
In Japanese, 'transportation expenses' is most commonly expressed as 交通費 (こうつうひ), a general term for travel costs. This guide covers how to talk about commuting costs, travel allowances, and specific fare types in natural Japanese.
Referring to money spent on transportation in general, such as commuting or business travel.
The standard, neutral term for transportation expenses. Used in both personal and business contexts.
今月の交通費は高かった。
My transportation expenses were high this month.
会社が交通費を支給します。
The company covers transportation expenses.
Travel expenses, often used for longer trips or business travel rather than daily commuting.
出張の旅費を精算する。
I'll settle my business trip travel expenses.
The fixed monthly amount paid by a company to cover an employee's commute.
The formal term for a commuting allowance provided by an employer.
通勤手当は毎月の給料に含まれています。
The commuting allowance is included in the monthly salary.
A common phrase meaning 'provision of transportation expenses', often seen in job listings.
交通費支給あり。
Transportation expenses provided.
Referring to the cost of a particular mode of transport.
Train fare. The suffix 〜代 (だい) means 'charge' or 'fee' and can be attached to various transport modes.
電車代が値上がりした。
Train fares have gone up.
Bus fare.
バス代はいくらですか。
How much is the bus fare?
Taxi fare.
Gasoline/petrol cost, often considered part of transportation expenses when driving.
ガソリン代も交通費に含めてください。
Please include gasoline costs in the transportation expenses.
The act of claiming back transportation costs from an organization.
To settle or reimburse transportation expenses. 精算 (せいさん) means 'reimbursement' or 'adjustment of accounts'.
月末に交通費を精算してください。
Please submit your transportation expenses at the end of the month.
To apply for transportation expenses, often used when requesting reimbursement.
交通費を申請するのを忘れないで。
Don't forget to claim your transportation expenses.
交通費 (こうつうひ) is the general term for transportation costs, including daily commuting. 旅費 (りょひ) specifically refers to travel expenses for trips, often including accommodation and meals. Use 交通費 for regular transport and 旅費 for business trips or long-distance travel.
The suffix 〜代 (だい) can be attached to many nouns to mean 'charge for ~'. For transportation, common combinations are 電車代 (train fare), バス代 (bus fare), タクシー代 (taxi fare), and ガソリン代 (gas cost). This is very natural in casual conversation.
The taxi fare ended up being expensive.