自己負担 in 30 Seconds
- Your personal share of a cost.
- What you pay after insurance.
- Often in medical or insurance contexts.
- Essential for understanding Japanese expenses.
The Japanese word 自己負担 (じこふたん - jikofutan) translates to 'out-of-pocket expenses' or 'personal burden' in English. It refers to the portion of a cost that an individual has to pay themselves, rather than it being covered by insurance, a company, or another party. This term is very common in discussions about healthcare, insurance policies, financial planning, and any situation where costs are shared or subsidized. Understanding 自己負担 is crucial for navigating expenses in Japan, especially when dealing with medical bills or understanding the financial implications of various services.
- Key Concepts
- Personal Responsibility: It highlights the amount you are personally responsible for paying.
- Cost Sharing: It's used when costs are not fully covered by another entity.
- Financial Planning: Essential for budgeting and understanding potential expenses.
- Common Scenarios: Medical treatments, insurance deductibles, co-payments, and sometimes even business expenses.
For instance, when you visit a doctor in Japan, the national health insurance might cover a significant portion of the bill, but you will likely have a 自己負担 amount, often a small percentage like 30%. Similarly, if your company offers a subsidy for gym memberships, the remaining fee you pay would be your 自己負担. The term emphasizes the 'self' or 'individual' aspect of bearing the financial load.
保険適用後の自己負担額はいくらですか？ (Hoken tekiyō-go no jikofutan gaku wa ikura desu ka?)
Understanding this term is not just about vocabulary; it's about understanding financial responsibilities in everyday life in Japan. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and other expenses.
この治療は自己負担が大きいです。(Kono chiryō wa jikofutan ga ōkii desu.)
- Breakdown
- 自 (ji): Self, oneself
- 己 (ko): Self, oneself (often used in compounds)
- 負 (fu): To bear, to carry, to be indebted
- 担 (tan): To bear, to carry, to shoulder
Together, they literally mean 'self-bearing' or 'carrying oneself', which perfectly captures the idea of personal financial responsibility.
The term 自己負担 (jikofutan) is typically used as a noun. It can stand alone or be modified by adjectives or other nouns to specify the nature or amount of the out-of-pocket expense. It often appears in contexts related to financial transactions, especially concerning services that are partially covered by insurance or other schemes.
Common Sentence Structures:
- Structure 1: [Topic] は 自己負担 です。
- This structure indicates that something is an out-of-pocket expense.
- Example: このサービスは自己負担です。(Kono sābisu wa jikofutan desu.) - This service is an out-of-pocket expense.
- Structure 2: 自己負担額は [Amount] です。
- This structure specifies the amount of the out-of-pocket expense.
- Example: 自己負担額は3000円です。(Jikofutan gaku wa sanzen en desu.) - The out-of-pocket amount is 3000 yen.
- Structure 3: [Topic] の 自己負担 は [Amount] です。
- This structure indicates the out-of-pocket expense for a specific item or service.
- Example: 医療費の自己負担は20%です。(Iryōhi no jikofutan wa nijū pāsento desu.) - The out-of-pocket expense for medical costs is 20%.
- Structure 4: 自己負担 を [Verb indicating payment] します。
- This structure describes the action of paying the out-of-pocket expense.
- Example: 自己負担 を現金で支払いました。(Jikofutan o genkin de shiharaimashita.) - I paid the out-of-pocket expense in cash.
この薬は自己負担なしで購入できます。(Kono kusuri wa jikofutan nashi de kōnyū dekimasu.)
When discussing insurance, it's common to hear phrases like 自己負担割合 (jikofutan wariai - out-of-pocket percentage) or 自己負担限度額 (jikofutan gendogaku - out-of-pocket maximum). These specify the proportion or the upper limit of what you need to pay.
高額療養費制度を利用すると、自己負担額の上限が定められています。(Kōgaku ryōyōhi seido o riyō suru to, jikofutan gaku no jōgen ga sadamerarete imasu.)
Mastering these structures will allow you to discuss financial responsibilities clearly and accurately in Japanese.
You'll encounter the term 自己負担 (jikofutan) in a variety of real-life situations in Japan. It's a word deeply embedded in the country's social and economic systems, particularly concerning healthcare and insurance.
Healthcare Settings:
This is arguably the most common place to hear 自己負担. When you visit a clinic or hospital, the receptionist or billing staff will often explain the 自己負担 amount you need to pay after your insurance is applied. This includes:
- Doctor's visits: The co-payment you make at the time of service.
- Prescriptions: The cost of medication not fully covered by insurance.
- Medical procedures: The portion of surgery or treatment costs you are responsible for.
- Dental care: Similar to general medical care, specific treatments may have a 自己負担.
診察料の自己負担はいくらですか？ (Shinsatsu-ryō no jikofutan wa ikura desu ka?)
Insurance Discussions:
When discussing or purchasing insurance policies (health, car, home, etc.), 自己負担 will frequently come up. This includes terms like:
- 自己負担割合 (jikofutan wariai): The percentage of the claim you have to pay.
- 自己負担限度額 (jikofutan gendogaku): The maximum amount you will pay out-of-pocket in a given period (often annually).
- 免責金額 (menseki kingaku): This is similar to a deductible and represents the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. While not exactly 自己負担, it's a related concept of personal financial responsibility.
Employment and Benefits:
Companies might offer benefits with some level of 自己負担. For example:
- Company-sponsored training: A portion might be your 自己負担.
- Employee wellness programs: Gym memberships or health check-ups might require a 自己負担.
Government Services and Subsidies:
When there are government subsidies or support programs, the remaining cost that individuals must pay is often referred to as 自己負担. This could apply to social welfare services, educational programs, or public works projects that require user contributions.
この介護サービスは、自己負担額がいくらになりますか？(Kono kaigo sābisu wa, jikofutan gaku ga ikura ni narimasu ka?)
In essence, 自己負担 is a practical term used daily in many financial and administrative contexts in Japan, making it essential for anyone living or interacting with systems in the country.
While 自己負担 (jikofutan) is a straightforward term, learners might make a few common mistakes when using or understanding it. These often stem from direct translation or confusion with similar concepts.
1. Over-reliance on Direct Translation:
Translating 自己負担 solely as 'self-burden' might sound a bit too general or even negative in English. While it captures the essence, 'out-of-pocket expense' or 'co-payment' are often more precise in specific contexts. For example, saying 'self-burden' for a small co-payment at the doctor's office might sound overly dramatic.
- Mistake Example:
- Incorrect: This medicine is a self-burden.
- Correct: This medicine has an out-of-pocket cost.
2. Confusing with Full Cost or Total Expense:
自己負担 specifically refers to the *portion* an individual pays. It is not the total cost of a service or product. Learners might mistakenly use it when they mean the entire price.
- Mistake Example:
- Incorrect: The 自己負担 for this surgery was 500,000 yen.
- Correct (if 500,000 yen is the portion paid): The out-of-pocket expense for this surgery was 500,000 yen.
- Correct (if 500,000 yen is the total cost): The total cost for this surgery was 500,000 yen.
3. Misunderstanding 自己負担 vs. Deductible/Copay in Different Systems:
In Western healthcare systems, 'deductible' and 'copay' are common. While 自己負担 covers both concepts in Japanese, the specific terminology might differ. For instance, a 自己負担割合 (percentage) is very similar to a copay, while a 自己負担限度額 (maximum) relates to out-of-pocket maximums. Learners might try to force-fit English terms where 自己負担 is the appropriate umbrella term.
- Mistake Example:
- Incorrect: My 自己負担 is 50 dollars.
- Correct: My 自己負担額 is 50 dollars. (Adding '額' - gaku - amount, makes it clearer).
- Or, depending on context: The copay for this service is 50 dollars.
4. Grammatical Errors:
As 自己負担 is a noun, it needs to be used correctly within sentence structures. Forgetting particles like 'が' (ga) or 'の' (no) when needed, or using it as a verb, can lead to ungrammatical sentences.
- Mistake Example:
- Incorrect: 自己負担 is high.
- Correct: 自己負担が高いです。(Jikofutan ga takai desu.)
- Correct: 医療費の自己負担は高いです。(Iryōhi no jikofutan wa takai desu.)
By being aware of these potential pitfalls, learners can use 自己負担 more accurately and confidently.
While 自己負担 (jikofutan) is the most common and direct term for 'out-of-pocket expenses,' there are related terms and alternative expressions that convey similar or nuanced meanings. Understanding these helps in grasping the full spectrum of financial responsibility.
Core Term:
- 自己負担 (じこふたん - jikofutan)
- Meaning: Out-of-pocket expense, personal burden.
- Usage: General term for any cost an individual pays themselves, especially after insurance or subsidies.
- Example: 医療費の自己負担は３割です。(Iryōhi no jikofutan wa san wari desu.) - The out-of-pocket expense for medical costs is 30%.
Related Terms (often used with 自己負担):
- 自己負担額 (じこふたんがく - jikofutan gaku)
- Meaning: The amount of out-of-pocket expense.
- Usage: More specific than 自己負担, referring to the monetary value.
- Example: 自己負担額を計算してください。(Jikofutan gaku o keisan shite kudasai.) - Please calculate the out-of-pocket amount.
- 自己負担割合 (じこふたんわりあい - jikofutan wariai)
- Meaning: Out-of-pocket percentage or ratio.
- Usage: Commonly used in insurance contexts to state the portion covered by the insured.
- Example: 国民健康保険の自己負担割合は通常３割です。(Kokumin kenkō hoken no jikofutan wariai wa tsūjō san wari desu.) - The out-of-pocket percentage for National Health Insurance is usually 30%.
- 自己負担限度額 (じこふたんげんどがく - jikofutan gendogaku)
- Meaning: Out-of-pocket maximum or limit.
- Usage: Refers to the maximum amount an individual will have to pay within a certain period (e.g., per month or year), often under systems like the high-cost medical expense benefit system.
- Example: 毎月の自己負担限度額を超えた分は払い戻されます。(Maitsuki no jikofutan gendogaku o koeta bun wa haraimodosaremasu.) - Amounts exceeding the monthly out-of-pocket maximum will be reimbursed.
Alternative Expressions:
- 実費 (じっぴ - jippi)
- Meaning: Actual cost, real expense.
- Usage: Can sometimes refer to the portion an individual pays if the rest is covered by someone else, but it more generally means the total actual cost. It's less specific about the 'out-of-pocket' nature.
- Example: 交通費は実費支給されます。(Kōtsūhi wa jippi shikyū saremasu.) - Commuting expenses will be reimbursed at the actual cost.
- 一部負担 (いちぶふたん - ichibu futan)
- Meaning: Partial burden, partial payment.
- Usage: Similar to 自己負担, emphasizing that only a part of the cost is borne by the individual. Often used in official documents.
- Example: このサービスには一部負担があります。(Kono sābisu ni wa ichibu futan ga arimasu.) - There is a partial payment for this service.
Terms related to Insurance Deductibles/Copays (English loanwords):
- インセンティブ (insentibu) / コペイ (kopei)
- Meaning: Incentive / Copay.
- Usage: These are loanwords sometimes used, especially in specific contexts like international insurance or when directly translating from English documents. However, 自己負担 and its variations are more common in standard Japanese discourse.
- Example: (Less common) このプランでは、コペイはいくらですか？ (Kono puran de wa, kopei wa ikura desu ka?) - In this plan, how much is the copay?
Understanding the nuances between these terms allows for more precise communication regarding financial responsibilities in Japan.
How Formal Is It?
""
""
""
""
""
Fun Fact
The kanji 己 (ko) is often used in compound words related to the self, such as 自己 (jiko - oneself), 自覚 (jikaku - self-awareness), and 自慢 (jiman - pride). The combination with 負 and 担 clearly signifies personal responsibility for costs.
Pronunciation Guide
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is straightforward, but understanding its context within insurance policies or medical documents requires comprehension of related terms and financial systems. Texts discussing <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> can range from simple patient information leaflets to complex legal or financial documents.
Using <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> correctly in writing requires understanding its grammatical function as a noun and its common collocations. Learners need to avoid direct translation pitfalls and use it appropriately in various sentence structures.
Pronunciation is relatively easy, but using it in natural conversation, especially when discussing financial matters or healthcare, requires confidence and an understanding of the typical contexts in which it appears.
Recognizing <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> in spoken Japanese is generally straightforward once the pronunciation is familiar. However, understanding the implications depends on grasping the surrounding context, such as insurance details or medical procedures.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using particles like が (ga) and の (no) with nouns.
自己負担が高いです。(Jikofutan ga takai desu.) - The out-of-pocket expense is high. / 医療費の自己負担は３割です。(Iryōhi no jikofutan wa san wari desu.) - The out-of-pocket expense for medical costs is 30%.
Using 〜なしで (nashi de) to indicate absence.
このサービスは自己負担なしで利用できます。(Kono sābisu wa jikofutan nashi de riyō dekimasu.) - You can use this service without out-of-pocket expenses.
Using 〜で (de) to indicate means or method.
自己負担で購入しました。(Jikofutan de kōnyū shimashita.) - I purchased it with my own money (out-of-pocket).
Using 〜によって (ni yotte) to indicate variation or cause.
保険の種類によって、自己負担割合が変わります。(Hoken no shurui ni yotte, jikofutan wariai ga kawarimasu.) - The out-of-pocket percentage changes depending on the type of insurance.
Using 〜を考慮に入れる (o kōryo ni ireru) for taking into consideration.
計画を立てる際には、自己負担を考慮に入れてください。(Keikaku o tateru sai ni wa, jikofutan o kōryo ni irete kudasai.) - When making plans, please take the out-of-pocket expenses into consideration.
Examples by Level
これは自己負担ですか？
Is this an out-of-pocket expense?
Basic question structure.
いいえ、自己負担ではありません。
No, it is not an out-of-pocket expense.
Negation of a noun phrase.
薬は自己負担です。
The medicine is an out-of-pocket expense.
Simple statement about a noun.
いくら自己負担ですか？
How much is the out-of-pocket expense?
Question word + noun + copula.
これは自己負担がありません。
There is no out-of-pocket expense for this.
Using がありません for absence.
私の自己負担は少ないです。
My out-of-pocket expense is small.
Adjective modifying a noun phrase.
これは自己負担で買いました。
I bought this with my own money (out-of-pocket).
Using で to indicate means.
保険は自己負担を減らします。
Insurance reduces out-of-pocket expenses.
Verb modifying a noun phrase.
病院での自己負担はいくらですか？
How much is the out-of-pocket expense at the hospital?
Noun + particle + noun + question.
この治療には自己負担があります。
This treatment has an out-of-pocket expense.
Noun + particle + existence verb.
保険証を見せてください。それで自己負担額が決まります。
Please show your insurance card. That will determine the out-of-pocket amount.
Sentence connection with 'で'.
全部自己負担ですか？それとも一部ですか？
Is it entirely out-of-pocket? Or is it partial?
Using 'それとも' for alternative questions.
この薬は自己負担なしで買えます。
You can buy this medicine without an out-of-pocket expense.
Using なしで to indicate absence.
会社の補助があるので、自己負担は少なかったです。
Because there was a company subsidy, the out-of-pocket expense was small.
Using 〜ので for reason.
毎月自己負担額をチェックしています。
I check the out-of-pocket amount every month.
Verb in progressive form.
保険が適用されると、自己負担は３割になります。
When insurance is applied, the out-of-pocket expense becomes 30%.
Conditional clause 〜と.
国民健康保険に加入すると、医療費の自己負担割合は通常３割となります。
When you join the National Health Insurance, the out-of-pocket percentage for medical expenses is usually 30%.
Using 〜と for general truths.
高額療養費制度を利用すれば、自己負担限度額を超えた分は払い戻されます。
If you use the high-cost medical expense benefit system, the amount exceeding the out-of-pocket maximum will be reimbursed.
Conditional clause 〜ば.
この健康診断は、自己負担なしで受けられますか？
Can I receive this health check-up without any out-of-pocket expense?
Potential form of a verb.
治療費が高額なので、自己負担額を抑える方法を相談したい。
Since the treatment cost is high, I want to consult about ways to reduce the out-of-pocket amount.
Using 〜ので for reason and 〜たい for desire.
会社の福利厚生で、ジムの会費の一部が自己負担になります。
As part of the company's employee benefits, a portion of the gym membership fee will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Using 〜で to indicate context.
海外旅行保険の自己負担は、国によって異なる場合があります。
The out-of-pocket expense for overseas travel insurance may vary depending on the country.
Using 〜によって for variation.
この補助金制度では、自己負担額の上限が設定されています。
In this subsidy system, an upper limit for the out-of-pocket amount is set.
Using passive form 〜れています.
新しい眼鏡は自己負担で購入しましたが、とても気に入っています。
I bought the new glasses with my own money (out-of-pocket), and I really like them.
Using 〜が for contrast/concession.
医療費の自己負担割合は、年齢や所得によって変動することがあります。
The out-of-pocket percentage for medical expenses may fluctuate depending on age and income.
Using 〜によって変動する for fluctuation.
確定申告の際に、医療費控除を申請することで自己負担額の一部が還付される可能性があります。
When filing your final tax return, you may be able to get a refund for a portion of your out-of-pocket medical expenses by applying for the medical expense deduction.
Using 〜することで for method and 〜可能性があります for possibility.
この民間保険は、公的医療保険ではカバーされない自己負担分を補填する目的で加入しました。
I enrolled in this private insurance with the aim of covering the out-of-pocket portion not covered by public medical insurance.
Using 〜目的で for purpose and 〜補填する for compensation.
企業が従業員の健康増進のために提供するプログラムには、しばしば自己負担が伴うものです。
Programs offered by companies for employee health promotion often involve an out-of-pocket expense.
Using 〜ものです for general truths/tendencies.
住宅ローン控除やふるさと納税など、税制上の優遇措置を利用することで、実質的な自己負担を軽減することができます。
By utilizing tax benefits such as housing loan deductions and hometown tax donations, it is possible to reduce the effective out-of-pocket expenses.
Using 〜ことで for method and 〜することができます for ability.
介護保険制度における自己負担額は、利用者の所得に応じて段階的に設定されています。
The out-of-pocket amount in the long-term care insurance system is set in stages according to the user's income.
Using 〜に応じて for accordance and 〜段階的に for in stages.
治療計画を立てる際には、保険適用範囲と自己負担額の両方を考慮に入れる必要があります。
When creating a treatment plan, it is necessary to take into account both the scope of insurance coverage and the out-of-pocket amount.
Using 〜を考慮に入れる for taking into consideration.
近年、予防医療への関心が高まるにつれて、自己負担で人間ドックを受診する人が増えています。
In recent years, as interest in preventive medicine has grown, the number of people undergoing comprehensive medical check-ups at their own expense (out-of-pocket) is increasing.
Using 〜につれて for as/in proportion to.
公的医療保険制度における自己負担割合は、国民皆保険制度の根幹をなす要素の一つであり、医療へのアクセスを保障する上で重要な役割を果たしています。
The out-of-pocket percentage in the public medical insurance system is one of the fundamental elements of the universal healthcare system and plays an important role in ensuring access to medical care.
Complex sentence structure with nominalized verbs and relative clauses.
高額療養費制度における自己負担限度額は、世帯の所得区分に応じて細かく設定されており、これにより重症患者の経済的負担が大幅に軽減されます。
The out-of-pocket maximum amount in the high-cost medical expense benefit system is finely set according to the household's income bracket, which significantly reduces the financial burden on severely ill patients.
Use of 〜に応じて, 〜により, and passive voice.
企業型確定拠出年金（DC）においては、加入者掛金は給与天引きで自己負担となりますが、税制上の優遇措置が受けられます。
In the corporate-type defined contribution pension plan (DC), the participant contributions are out-of-pocket expenses deducted from salary, but tax benefits can be received.
Complex sentence with nominalization and contrastive conjunctions.
医療技術の進歩に伴い、高度な治療や先進医療に対する自己負担額が増加傾向にあるため、個人のリスク管理能力が問われています。
With the advancement of medical technology, the out-of-pocket amount for advanced treatments and cutting-edge medicine is showing an increasing trend, thus questioning individuals' risk management capabilities.
Using 〜に伴い for accompanying changes and 〜が問われている for being questioned.
地域包括ケアシステムにおいては、医療、介護、福祉、住まいといったサービスが連携し、利用者の自己負担を考慮した包括的な支援体制が構築されています。
In the community-based integrated care system, services such as medical care, nursing care, welfare, and housing are integrated, and a comprehensive support system is being built that takes into account the user's out-of-pocket expenses.
Use of 〜といった for listing examples and 〜を考慮した for consideration.
少子高齢化が進む中で、社会保障制度の持続可能性を確保するためには、自己負担のあり方についても、国民的な議論が不可欠である。
Amidst the advancing aging population and declining birthrate, in order to ensure the sustainability of the social security system, national discussion is indispensable regarding the form of out-of-pocket expenses as well.
Nominalized verbs and abstract concepts.
個人の健康意識の高まりは、予防医療への自己負担を厭わない姿勢につながり、結果として医療費全体の抑制に寄与する可能性を秘めている。
The rise in individual health consciousness leads to an attitude of not minding out-of-pocket expenses for preventive medicine, and as a result, holds the potential to contribute to the suppression of overall medical costs.
Using 〜を厭わない for not minding and 〜につながる for leading to.
保険商品の多様化は、消費者が自身のニーズや経済状況に合わせて自己負担額や保障内容を柔軟に選択できる選択肢を広げている。
The diversification of insurance products expands the options for consumers to flexibly choose their out-of-pocket amounts and coverage details according to their needs and financial situation.
Using 〜に合わせて for according to and 〜を広げている for expanding.
公的医療保険制度における自己負担割合の変動は、医療費財政の持続可能性と国民皆保険制度の理念との間で、常に政策決定者にとってのジレンマとなっている。
The fluctuation of the out-of-pocket percentage in the public medical insurance system has always been a dilemma for policymakers, caught between the sustainability of medical finance and the principles of the universal healthcare system.
Abstract concepts, complex sentence structure, nominalizations.
高額療養費制度の自己負担限度額の算定基準は、所得再分配機能の観点からも、その妥当性について継続的な検証が求められている。
The calculation criteria for the out-of-pocket maximum amount in the high-cost medical expense benefit system are subject to ongoing scrutiny regarding their validity, also from the perspective of income redistribution function.
Formal language, use of 〜の観点から, and passive voice for requirements.
近年、健康寿命の延伸が社会的な課題となる中で、個人の予防行動へのインセンティブを高めるための自己負担軽減策や、健康増進型保険商品の開発が喫緊の課題となっている。
In recent years, with the extension of healthy life expectancy becoming a social issue, measures to reduce out-of-pocket expenses to increase incentives for individual preventive actions, and the development of health promotion-type insurance products have become urgent tasks.
Complex sentence with multiple clauses, abstract nouns, and formal vocabulary.
医療技術の急速な発展は、治療選択肢の拡大をもたらす一方で、保険適用外診療や先進医療に対する自己負担の増加という新たな課題を提起しており、社会全体での議論を促している。
While the rapid development of medical technology brings about an expansion of treatment options, it also raises new challenges such as an increase in out-of-pocket expenses for non-insured treatments and advanced medical care, prompting discussion throughout society.
Use of 〜一方で for contrast, 〜という for quoting/introducing, and 〜を促している for prompting.
地域包括ケアシステムの持続可能性を確保するためには、多職種連携の強化のみならず、利用者の自己負担能力と社会全体の負担能力とのバランスを考慮した、制度設計の見直しが不可欠である。
In order to ensure the sustainability of the community-based integrated care system, not only strengthening multi-professional collaboration but also a review of the system design, considering the balance between users' out-of-pocket payment capacity and society's overall burden-bearing capacity, is indispensable.
Extensive use of nominalizations, complex conjunctions, and abstract concepts.
高齢化社会における社会保障給付と応益負担の適正化は、現役世代の自己負担増大という側面と、高齢者への給付抑制という側面の両方から、国民的な合意形成が求められる極めてデリケートな課題である。
The optimization of social security benefits and benefit-based contributions in an aging society is an extremely delicate issue that requires national consensus formation from both the aspect of increasing out-of-pocket expenses for the working generation and the aspect of restraining benefits for the elderly.
Highly formal language, abstract nouns, and complex sentence structure.
健康増進型保険商品における自己負担軽減インセンティブは、行動経済学の知見を応用したものであり、個人の健康行動変容を促す効果が期待される一方で、その公平性や実効性についてはさらなる検証が必要である。
The out-of-pocket reduction incentives in health promotion-type insurance products are an application of insights from behavioral economics, and while effects are expected to promote individual behavioral changes towards health, further verification is needed regarding their fairness and effectiveness.
Use of 〜応用したもの, 〜一方で, and 〜が期待される.
医療費の自己負担上限制度の拡充は、低所得者層の医療アクセスを保障する上で不可欠であるが、制度全体の財政的持続可能性との両立が喫緊の課題となっている。
The expansion of the out-of-pocket maximum system for medical expenses is indispensable for guaranteeing medical access for low-income groups, but achieving compatibility with the financial sustainability of the entire system has become an urgent issue.
Complex sentence structure, abstract nouns, and formal vocabulary.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— How much is the out-of-pocket amount?
病院で会計を済ませる際に、この質問をよく聞きます。
— Can be purchased with no out-of-pocket expense.
キャンペーンや割引について説明する際に使われます。
— Effective out-of-pocket amount.
補助金や控除を差し引いた後の、最終的な負担額を指す場合に用いられます。
— Out-of-pocket up to the maximum limit.
高額療養費制度などで、一定額を超えると保険が適用される場合に使われます。
— The portion of medical expenses that is out-of-pocket.
保険適用後の、患者が支払うべき部分を指します。
— Out-of-pocket expense for non-covered items.
保険でカバーされない治療や薬にかかる費用を指します。
— To increase/decrease out-of-pocket expenses.
保険プランの変更や、サービス利用の判断に関わる際に使われます。
— The company covers a portion of the out-of-pocket expense.
福利厚生や研修制度の説明でよく聞かれます。
Often Confused With
自己負担 is a specific type of 負担 (burden). While 負担 can refer to any kind of burden (e.g., a heavy workload), 自己負担 specifically refers to a financial burden borne by oneself.
実費 means 'actual cost'. It can overlap with 自己負担 if the individual pays the actual cost, but 実費 can also refer to the total cost before any insurance is considered. 自己負担 implies a portion of a larger cost.
全額 means 'the entire amount' or 'full amount'. 自己負担 usually implies a partial amount, not the full cost, unless the entire cost is borne by the individual without any insurance or subsidy.
Idioms & Expressions
— To feel the pinch financially; to incur a significant expense that hurts one's wallet.
This idiom describes the feeling of pain or hardship associated with paying a large amount of money. While not directly using 自己負担, it captures the emotional aspect of bearing a financial burden.
Informal/Figurative— Adding insult to injury; when misfortune strikes someone who is already in a bad situation.
If someone is already facing high medical bills (implying significant 自己負担), and then another unexpected expense arises, this idiom could be used to describe the compounded misfortune.
Informal/Figurative— To pay out of one's own pocket; to spend one's own money, often for a cause or to take responsibility.
This idiom is very close in meaning to 自己負担, emphasizing the act of using one's own funds to cover an expense, often with a sense of personal commitment or necessity.
Neutral/Slightly Formal— To be short of money; to have little money in one's pocket.
If one has high 自己負担, it might lead to their '懐が寂しい'. This idiom describes the state of having less money available.
Informal— To brace oneself; to make up one's mind to do something difficult or unpleasant.
When faced with a large 自己負担, one might need to '腹を括る' before agreeing to the expense or treatment.
Neutral/Slightly Formal— Not even a penny's worth of profit; a complete loss or expenditure without any return.
If an investment or expense results in a high 自己負担 with no benefit, this idiom could be used.
Informal— To suffer in silence; to accept a bad situation without complaint or recourse.
If someone cannot afford their 自己負担 and has no other options, they might have to '泣き寝入りする'.
Informal— Blood tax; a metaphorical term for expenses that are extremely painful or costly, often implying a loss of vitality or resources.
While not a direct idiom, high 自己負担, especially for essential services like healthcare, can feel like a 'blood tax' to some.
Figurative/Strong— To spend money like water; to spend extravagantly and without restraint.
This idiom describes the opposite of having to carefully manage one's 自己負担. It refers to those who spend lavishly.
Informal— To make sacrifices; to spend heavily at personal cost.
Similar to '身銭を切る', this idiom emphasizes the personal sacrifice involved in covering a significant expense, which can be a large 自己負担.
Neutral/Slightly FormalEasily Confused
Both terms relate to costs that are paid. 実費 means 'actual cost', and 自己負担 means 'out-of-pocket expense'.
自己負担 specifically refers to the portion of a cost that an individual pays themselves, often after insurance or subsidies have been applied. 実費, on the other hand, refers to the total actual cost of something, regardless of who pays it. For example, if a medical treatment costs 10,000 yen and insurance covers 7,000 yen, the 自己負担 is 3,000 yen. The 実費 is 10,000 yen.
治療の<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>実費</mark>は10,000円ですが、<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は3,000円です。(The actual cost of the treatment is 10,000 yen, but the out-of-pocket expense is 3,000 yen.)
自己負担 is a compound word that includes 負担, meaning 'burden'.
負担 is a general term for any kind of burden, whether it's financial, emotional, or physical. 自己負担 specifically refers to a *financial* burden that an individual has to bear themselves. For instance, '責任の負担' (sekinin no futan - the burden of responsibility) is not 自己負担.
この仕事は<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>負担</mark>が大きいですが、<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>ではありません。(This job is a big burden, but it's not an out-of-pocket expense.)
Both terms relate to the amount of money paid.
全額 means 'the entire amount' or 'full amount'. 自己負担 typically refers to a *portion* of the total cost that the individual pays, implying that another part is covered by insurance or another entity. If the entire cost is paid by the individual without any external coverage, then the 自己負担 is equal to the 全額.
このサービスは<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>全額</mark><mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>です。(The entire amount for this service is out-of-pocket.)
Both terms relate to the cost of a service or product.
無料 means 'free of charge', indicating there is no cost to anyone. 自己負担 means 'out-of-pocket expense', indicating that the individual must pay a portion of the cost. They are opposites in terms of financial obligation.
この健康診断は<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>無料</mark>なので、<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>はありません。(This health check-up is free, so there is no out-of-pocket expense.)
Both terms are related to expenses borne by the individual, particularly in insurance contexts.
免責金額 (deductible) is the amount the insured must pay *before* the insurance company starts covering the costs. 自己負担 is a broader term that can include deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance – essentially any amount paid by the individual. In some cases, the deductible might be the only 自己負担, but other times, there can be both a deductible and a co-payment as part of the overall 自己負担.
保険の<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>免責金額</mark>は５万円ですが、その後の<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は２割です。(The deductible for the insurance is 50,000 yen, and the subsequent out-of-pocket expense is 20%.)
Sentence Patterns
これは<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>ですか？
これは<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>ですか？ (Is this an out-of-pocket expense?)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は [Amount] です。
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は3000円です。(The out-of-pocket expense is 3000 yen.)
[Noun] の <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> は [Percentage] です。
医療費の<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は３割です。(The out-of-pocket expense for medical costs is 30%.)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>なしで [Verb] できます。
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>なしで参加できます。(You can participate without any out-of-pocket expense.)
[Noun] が <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> になります。
このサービスは<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>になります。(This service will be an out-of-pocket expense.)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>限度額を超えると [Result]。
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>限度額を超えると払い戻されます。(If it exceeds the out-of-pocket maximum, it will be reimbursed.)
[Noun] を考慮した <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> 計画。
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>を考慮した返済計画。(A repayment plan that takes out-of-pocket expenses into consideration.)
保険適用外の <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> は [Amount] です。
保険適用外の治療の<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は全額です。(The out-of-pocket expense for non-covered treatment is the full amount.)
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 自己負担 to mean the total cost.
→
Using 自己負担 to mean the portion paid by the individual.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> refers specifically to the amount *you* pay, not the total price of a service or product. For example, if a medical bill is 10,000 yen and insurance covers 7,000 yen, your <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> is 3,000 yen, not 10,000 yen.
-
Directly translating 'self-burden' without considering context.
→
Using 'out-of-pocket expense', 'co-payment', or 'personal share' depending on the context.
While 'self-burden' is a literal translation, it can sound overly dramatic or vague in English. In financial or medical contexts, more specific English terms like 'out-of-pocket expense' or 'co-payment' are often better translations for <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>.
-
Forgetting particles like が or の.
→
Using appropriate particles like が or の when using 自己負担 in a sentence.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> is a noun. Like other nouns, it often requires particles to connect it grammatically. For example, '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark><strong>が</strong>高い' (The out-of-pocket expense is high) or '医療費<strong>の</strong><mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>' (The out-of-pocket expense for medical costs).
-
Confusing 自己負担 with free services.
→
Understanding that 自己負担 implies a cost that must be paid by the individual.
If a service is free, it is '無料' (muryō), not <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark> inherently means there is a cost involved that the individual must cover.
-
Mispronouncing the final nasalized 'n'.
→
Pronouncing the final 'n' in 'tan' with nasalization.
The word ends with 'tan', which has a nasalized vowel sound. Pronouncing it like a regular English 'n' can alter the word's sound. Focus on the slight hum or resonance in the nasal cavity when saying the final syllable.
Tips
Break Down the Kanji
Understanding the individual kanji can help cement the meaning. 自 (ji) means 'self', 己 (ko) also relates to 'self', 負 (fu) means 'to bear', and 担 (tan) means 'to carry'. So, 自己負担 literally means 'self-bearing' or 'carrying oneself', emphasizing personal financial responsibility.
Use with Particles
自己負担 is a noun. It often appears with particles like が (ga) when it's the subject (e.g., 自己負担が高い - the out-of-pocket expense is high) or の (no) when it modifies another noun (e.g., 自己負担の割合 - the out-of-pocket percentage).
Healthcare is Key
The most frequent context for 自己負担 is healthcare. When discussing doctor visits, medication, or treatments in Japan, be prepared to encounter and use this term.
Not Always a Burden
While 'burden' is part of the literal translation, 自己負担 in contexts like insurance simply means 'your share' or 'co-payment'. It's not always a negative or heavy burden, but rather a defined part of the cost.
Visualize the Wallet
Imagine a wallet with a person's face on it. This visual can help you remember that 自己負担 refers to costs coming directly from your own wallet.
Ask for Clarity
If you're unsure about the 自己負担 amount for a service or product, don't hesitate to ask! Phrases like '自己負担額はいくらですか？' are very common and useful.
Beyond Medical
Remember that 自己負担 isn't exclusive to medicine. It applies to any situation where you pay a portion of a cost yourself, like company benefits or subsidized services.
Nasalized 'n'
Pay attention to the nasalized 'n' sound at the end of '自己負担' (tan). It's a subtle but important part of accurate pronunciation.
Know the Variations
Familiarize yourself with related terms like 自己負担額 (amount), 自己負担割合 (percentage), and 自己負担限度額 (maximum limit) for more precise communication.
Create Your Own Sentences
Try to create sentences using 自己負担 based on your own experiences or hypothetical situations. This active recall is a powerful learning tool.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine yourself holding a coin ('ji' - self) and putting it into a piggy bank ('ko' - self) to 'bear' ('fu') a 'load' ('tan') of expenses. You are carrying the load yourself.
Visual Association
Picture a person with a large backpack labeled 'My Costs' that they are carrying on their own. The backpack has the kanji for 自己負担 on it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain to a friend in Japanese what '自己負担' means using your own words and an example from your life or a common situation.
Word Origin
The word 自己負担 is a compound word formed from native Japanese elements. It's not a loanword from Chinese or English, though the kanji characters themselves have Chinese origins.
Original meaning: The individual components convey the meaning of 'self' (自, 己) and 'to bear/carry' (負, 担). Thus, it literally means 'self-bearing' or 'carrying oneself'.
JaponicCultural Context
When discussing 自己負担, especially in healthcare contexts, it's important to be sensitive to the financial situation of the person you are speaking with. High 自己負担 can be a significant burden for many.
In English-speaking countries, terms like 'out-of-pocket expense', 'co-payment', 'deductible', and 'co-insurance' are used. While 自己負担 can encompass all of these, the Japanese term is a single, versatile word that covers the general concept of personal financial responsibility for a cost.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Visiting a doctor or hospital.
- 診察料の<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>はいくらですか？
- 保険証を提示してください。それで<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>額が決まります。
- この治療は<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>なしで受けられますか？
- 薬代は<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>になります。
Discussing or purchasing insurance.
- <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>割合は３割です。
- <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>限度額はいくらですか？
- 保険適用外の部分は<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>になります。
- このプランは<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>が少ないのが魅力です。
Understanding company benefits or subsidies.
- 研修費は会社が<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>してくれますか？
- ジムの会費は一部<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>です。
- 旅行代金は<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>になります。
Dealing with government services or welfare programs.
- このサービスには<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>がありますか？
- <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>額の上限はいくらですか？
- 補助金が出るので、<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>は少なくて済みます。
General financial discussions.
- これは<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>で賄うしかない。
- できるだけ<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>を抑えたい。
- 思っていたより<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>自己負担</mark>が大きかった。
Conversation Starters
"What is the typical out-of-pocket percentage for medical visits in Japan?"
"Can you explain the concept of 'jikofutan' in simple terms?"
"Are there any situations where medical treatments in Japan are completely free, with no jikofutan?"
"How does the 'high-cost medical expense benefit system' help reduce jikofutan?"
"When buying insurance, what should I look out for regarding jikofutan?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you encountered 'jikofutan' in Japan. What was the situation, and how did you feel about the expense?
Imagine you are explaining 'jikofutan' to someone who has never heard of it. How would you describe it and give an example?
Reflect on the importance of 'jikofutan' in the Japanese healthcare system. Does it encourage responsible use of medical services?
Compare and contrast 'jikofutan' with similar concepts in your own country's healthcare or financial system.
What strategies can individuals use to manage or reduce their 'jikofutan' when facing significant expenses?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions自己負担 (jikofutan) is the general term for 'out-of-pocket expense'. 自己負担額 (jikofutan gaku) specifically refers to the *amount* or monetary value of that out-of-pocket expense. For example, you might say 'This is an out-of-pocket expense' (これは自己負担です) or 'The out-of-pocket amount is 3,000 yen' (その自己負担額は3,000円です).
While 自己負担 is most commonly associated with medical expenses and insurance in Japan, it can be used in other contexts too. For instance, if a company offers a subsidy for a training course, the remaining fee you pay would be your 自己負担. It refers to any cost that an individual pays from their own pocket.
自己負担割合 (jikofutan wariai) translates to 'out-of-pocket percentage' or 'co-payment ratio'. It specifies the proportion of the total cost that the individual is responsible for paying. In Japan's national health insurance system, this is typically 30% for most people, meaning the insurance covers 70% and the individual pays 30% (自己負担割合は３割).
Reducing 自己負担 often involves understanding and utilizing systems like the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System (高額療養費制度 - kōgaku ryōyōhi seido), which caps the maximum amount you have to pay out-of-pocket. Choosing insurance plans with lower co-payments or deductibles can also help. Sometimes, tax deductions like the medical expense deduction (医療費控除 - iryōhi kōjo) can indirectly reduce your overall financial burden.
Yes, for medical expenses in Japan, there is a 自己負担限度額 (jikofutan gendogaku), or out-of-pocket maximum. This limit varies based on income and is part of the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System. Once you reach this limit within a certain period (usually a month), the remaining medical costs are covered by insurance or reimbursed.
Yes, 自己負担 can be zero in certain situations. For example, some preventative health check-ups might be fully covered by employers or local governments. Also, if a service is entirely free or fully covered by insurance with no co-payment required, then the 自己負担 is zero. You might hear phrases like '自己負担なし' (jikofutan nashi - without out-of-pocket expense).
A deductible (免責金額 - menseki kingaku) is the amount you pay first before insurance coverage kicks in. 自己負担 is a broader term that includes deductibles, co-payments (a fixed amount per service), and co-insurance (a percentage of the cost). So, a deductible is a type of 自己負担.
While often interchangeable in casual speech, using 自己負担額 is more precise when you want to specifically refer to the monetary amount of the out-of-pocket expense. For example, 'The 自己負担 is high' (自己負担が高い) is fine, but 'The 自己負担額 is 5,000 yen' (自己負担額は5,000円です) is more specific about the value.
While not direct idioms, phrases like '財布を痛める' (saifu o itameru - to feel the pinch financially) or '身銭を切る' (mize ni toru - to pay out of one's own pocket) capture the sentiment of bearing a personal financial burden, which is what 自己負担 represents.
The term for 'out-of-pocket maximum' is 自己負担限度額 (jikofutan gendogaku). This is a crucial concept in understanding insurance and healthcare cost limits.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
自己負担 (jikofutan) refers to the out-of-pocket expenses, the portion of a cost that an individual must pay themselves, commonly encountered in healthcare and insurance scenarios in Japan.
- Your personal share of a cost.
- What you pay after insurance.
- Often in medical or insurance contexts.
- Essential for understanding Japanese expenses.
Break Down the Kanji
Understanding the individual kanji can help cement the meaning. 自 (ji) means 'self', 己 (ko) also relates to 'self', 負 (fu) means 'to bear', and 担 (tan) means 'to carry'. So, 自己負担 literally means 'self-bearing' or 'carrying oneself', emphasizing personal financial responsibility.
Use with Particles
自己負担 is a noun. It often appears with particles like が (ga) when it's the subject (e.g., 自己負担が高い - the out-of-pocket expense is high) or の (no) when it modifies another noun (e.g., 自己負担の割合 - the out-of-pocket percentage).
Healthcare is Key
The most frequent context for 自己負担 is healthcare. When discussing doctor visits, medication, or treatments in Japan, be prepared to encounter and use this term.
Not Always a Burden
While 'burden' is part of the literal translation, 自己負担 in contexts like insurance simply means 'your share' or 'co-payment'. It's not always a negative or heavy burden, but rather a defined part of the cost.
Related Content
More health words
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
