定価 in 30 Seconds
- Teika refers to the fixed list price set by a manufacturer, common in Japanese retail for books and CDs.
- It serves as a benchmark for discounts and is often printed directly on the product packaging in Japan.
- Unlike 'open prices', teika is meant to be uniform across all retail locations to ensure market stability.
- Grammatically, it is a noun used with particles like 'de' (at) or 'no' (possessive) in shopping contexts.
The Japanese word 定価 (ていか - Teika) is a fundamental noun in the realm of commerce, economics, and daily life in Japan. At its core, it refers to the fixed price or the list price of a product as established by the manufacturer or the primary seller. Unlike the 'open price' (オープンプライス) system where retailers have total freedom to set prices based on market competition, a product with a teika has a specific, intended value that is often printed directly on the packaging or the back of a book. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating Japanese retail environments, especially when dealing with items like books, magazines, and music, which are governed by specific price-maintenance laws in Japan.
- Etymology of 定 (Tei)
- This kanji signifies 'fix', 'determine', or 'establish'. It implies a state of permanence or a decision that has been finalized.
- Etymology of 価 (Ka)
- This kanji represents 'value', 'price', or 'worth'. Together, they form the concept of a 'determined value'.
「この本は定価で販売されています。」(This book is being sold at the fixed price.)
In the Japanese context, the concept of teika is deeply tied to the Resale Price Maintenance System (再販制度 - Saihan Seido). This legal framework allows publishers to mandate that books, newspapers, and music be sold at the exact teika nationwide, preventing price wars and ensuring that cultural products remain accessible at a uniform cost regardless of the store's location. This is why you will rarely see a 'sale' on new books in Japan; the teika is the law. For other consumer goods like electronics or clothing, the teika serves more as a 'Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price' (MSRP), providing a benchmark against which discounts are calculated.
「定価の二倍の値段がついている。」(It is priced at double the list price.)
- Teika vs. Kakaku
- While 'Kakaku' (価格) is a general term for price, 'Teika' specifically refers to the official, pre-set price before any negotiation or market fluctuation.
Furthermore, the word teika carries a nuance of reliability. A product sold at teika is perceived as authentic and brand-new. In the secondary market, such as Mercari or Yahoo Auctions, sellers often highlight that they are selling an item 'below teika' (定価以下) to attract buyers, or 'above teika' (定価超え) for rare collectibles. This demonstrates how teika serves as the ultimate psychological and economic anchor in the Japanese consumer's mind. Whether you are buying a 100-yen chocolate bar or a million-yen watch, the teika is the starting point of the transaction's value proposition.
Using 定価 correctly requires an understanding of its role as a formal noun. It is most commonly used in retail, business, and legal contexts. Unlike more casual words for price like 'nedan', teika is precise and technical. It is frequently paired with particles like 'de' (at), 'no' (possessive), and 'yori' (than) to describe various pricing scenarios.
「この商品は定価で買いました。」(I bought this product at the list price.)
One of the most common grammatical structures is [Noun] + の + 定価. For example, 'Kono tokei no teika' (The list price of this watch). In a sentence, you might say, 'Kono tokei no teika wa go-man en desu' (The list price of this watch is 50,000 yen). Note that teika is rarely used as a verb. You wouldn't say 'teika-suru'; instead, you would use 'teika o kimeru' (to decide the list price) or 'teika de uru' (to sell at list price).
- Common Particle Usage
- 定価で (Teika de): At the fixed price. Used when no discount is applied.
- 定価より (Teika yori): Than the fixed price. Used when comparing discounts (e.g., 20% cheaper than list price).
- 定価の (Teika no): Of the fixed price. Used to indicate a fraction (e.g., half of the list price).
In business Japanese, teika is often contrasted with 'oroshi-kakaku' (wholesale price) or 'jitsubai-kakaku' (actual selling price). When writing a formal report or an email to a client, using teika shows a professional grasp of commercial terminology. For instance, 'Teika no kaitei o go-kentou kudasai' (Please consider a revision of the list price).
「定価の半額でセールをしています。」(We are having a sale at half the list price.)
When you are shopping in Japan and want to know if the price on the tag is the final list price or if there's a discount, you might ask: 'Kore wa teika desu ka?' (Is this the list price?). If the shopkeeper responds, 'Hai, teika de gozaimasu,' it means there is no room for negotiation. In contrast, at an electronics store like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera, the price shown might be the 'point-back price', but the teika is still the official reference point used for tax calculations and warranty values.
You will encounter the word 定価 in a variety of settings, ranging from the quiet aisles of a bookstore to the high-pressure environment of a corporate boardroom. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday consumerism and high-level economic discussion. Because Japan has a very structured retail culture, teika is a constant presence in the public consciousness.
「新刊本はすべて定価販売が義務付けられています。」(All new books are required to be sold at the fixed price.)
1. Retail and Shopping: This is the most common place. Look at the back cover of any Japanese book or manga. You will see '定価：本体〇〇〇円＋税'. This is the most direct application of the word. Similarly, in department stores (depāto), signs often compare the current sale price to the teika to show the value of the discount.
- In the Bookstore
- You'll hear staff explain that they cannot discount books because of the 'teika' system.
- In Electronics Stores
- Salespeople might say, 'Teika wa takai desu ga, kyou wa tokubetsu kakaku desu' (The list price is high, but today is a special price).
2. News and Media: Financial news often discusses teika when reporting on inflation or price hikes. For example, if a major food manufacturer like Meiji or Nissin raises the list price of their products, the news will report it as 'Teika no hikiage' (Raising the list price). This affects the entire supply chain and is a major topic of public interest.
「メーカーが定価を改定することを発表しました。」(The manufacturer announced a revision of the list price.)
3. Online Marketplaces: On sites like Amazon Japan, Mercari, or Rakuten, teika is used as a reference point. Sellers will often write 'Teika yori yasui' (Cheaper than list price) to entice buyers. In the world of 'resale' (tenbai), teika is the gold standard. If a PlayStation 5 is being sold for 100,000 yen when the teika is 60,000 yen, it is immediately identified as a 'tenbai kakaku' (resale price), often leading to public criticism of the seller.
While 定価 seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with other price-related terms or misuse it in contexts where the price is not actually 'fixed'. Understanding the nuances of Japanese pricing vocabulary will help you avoid sounding unnatural or being misunderstood in business transactions.
- Mistake 1: Using Teika for 'Total Price'
- Learners often say 'Teika wa ikura desu ka?' when they mean 'What is the total?'. For the total amount at a cash register, use 合計 (Goukei) or お会計 (O-kaikei).
- Mistake 2: Confusing Teika with Kakaku
- 価格 (Kakaku) is the general word for 'price'. Teika is specifically the official price. If you are talking about the fluctuating price of stocks or vegetables, never use teika; use kakaku or nedan.
❌ 「この野菜の定価はいくらですか？」(Wrong: Vegetables don't have a fixed list price.)
✅ 「この野菜の値段はいくらですか？」(Correct: What is the price of these vegetables?)
Another common error is using teika when referring to a price you negotiated. If you haggled and got a discount, the final price you paid is the 購入価格 (Kounyuu kakaku - purchase price), not the teika. Using teika in this context would imply you paid the full sticker price without any discount.
❌ 「タクシーの定価は高い。」(Wrong: Taxi 'fixed price'.)
✅ 「タクシーの料金は高い。」(Correct: Taxi fares are expensive.)
Finally, be careful with the 'Open Price' (オープンプライス) concept. In modern Japanese electronics retail, many products do not have a teika at all. The manufacturer allows the store to set the price. If you ask for the teika of a Sony camera and it's an open-price item, the clerk might say, 'Teika wa arimasen' (There is no list price). In this case, asking for the teika shows a lack of awareness of modern retail practices. Instead, ask 'Ikura gurai desu ka?' (About how much is it?).
To truly master 定価, you must distinguish it from its many synonyms and related terms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'price' depending on the context, the type of item, and the stage of the transaction.
- 1. 価格 (Kakaku)
- The most general term for 'price' or 'value'. It is used in economic theories, stock markets, and formal business. Teika is a specific type of kakaku.
- 2. 値段 (Nedan)
- The everyday, casual word for 'price'. You use this at the supermarket, flea market, or when talking with friends. 'Nedan ga takai' (The price is high).
- 3. 代金 (Daikin)
- Refers to the money paid in exchange for goods. You 'pay the daikin'. It focuses on the payment act rather than the value of the item.
- 4. 料金 (Ryoukin)
- Used for services, utilities, and fees. Electricity (denki ryoukin), admission fees (nyuujouryou), and fares (un-chin) fall under this category.
「定価は1000円ですが、実際の販売価格は800円です。」(The list price is 1000 yen, but the actual selling price is 800 yen.)
5. 希望小売価格 (Kibou Kouri Kakaku): This is the Japanese equivalent of MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price). While teika implies a 'fixed' price that should not be changed, kibou kouri kakaku explicitly acknowledges that the retailer might choose a different price. However, in casual conversation, people often use teika to refer to this as well.
「このチケットの定価はいくらですか？」(What is the face value/list price of this ticket?)
Lastly, consider 時価 (Jika). This means 'market price' or 'current value'. You often see this at high-end sushi restaurants for seasonal fish. It is the exact opposite of teika. While teika is stable and predictable, jika changes daily based on supply and demand. Knowing the difference ensures you don't expect a fixed price at a luxury sushi counter!
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Comparison using 'yori' and 'hou ga'
Percentages (~wari, ~paasento)
Noun modification with 'no'
Giving and receiving (if the item was a gift bought at teika)
Honorifics (for store staff)
Examples by Level
これは定価ですか？
Is this the list price?
Simple noun + desu ka question.
定価は千円です。
The list price is 1000 yen.
Topic marker 'wa' used with a price.
本に定価が書いてあります。
The list price is written on the book.
Subject marker 'ga' with the verb 'kaite arimasu'.
定価で買います。
I will buy it at the list price.
Particle 'de' indicating the condition/price of purchase.
定価はいくらですか？
How much is the list price?
Standard question for price.
このお菓子は定価です。
This snack is at the list price.
Noun phrase + desu.
定価のタグを見ます。
I look at the list price tag.
Object marker 'o' with the verb 'mimasu'.
定価は安いです。
The list price is cheap.
Adjective 'yasui' modifying the topic.
定価より安く買えました。
I was able to buy it cheaper than the list price.
Comparison using 'yori' (than).
定価の２０％引きです。
It is 20% off the list price.
Possessive 'no' indicating the source of the discount.
この店は定価で売っています。
This store sells at the list price.
Verb 'utte imasu' (is selling).
定価を確認してください。
Please check the list price.
Polite request 'kudasai'.
定価のシールを貼ります。
I will stick the list price sticker.
Action verb 'harimasu'.
定価は箱の裏にあります。
The list price is on the back of the box.
Locational particle 'ni' with 'arimasu'.
定価が変わりました。
The list price has changed.
Intransitive verb 'kawaru' in past tense.
定価を知りたいです。
I want to know the list price.
Desire form '~tai' of 'shiru' (to know).
新刊の雑誌は定価販売です。
New magazines are sold at fixed prices.
Compound noun 'teika hanbai' (fixed-price sales).
定価が上がると困ります。
It will be a problem if the list price goes up.
Conditional 'to' indicating a consequence.
メーカーの定価を調べました。
I looked up the manufacturer's list price.
Possessive 'no' linking manufacturer and price.
定価設定が少し高いようです。
The list price setting seems a bit high.
Auxiliary 'you desu' (seems like).
定価の半額で手に入れました。
I obtained it for half the list price.
Idiomatic 'te ni ireru' (to obtain).
定価を守らなければなりません。
We must adhere to the fixed price.
Obligation form '~nakereba narimasen'.
定価以下で売ることはできません。
It cannot be sold below the list price.
Noun 'ika' (below/less than).
定価を基準に割引を考えます。
We will consider the discount based on the list price.
Particle 'ni' with 'kijun' (basis).
再販制度により、本は定価で売られます。
Due to the resale system, books are sold at fixed prices.
Passive voice 'urareru' and 'ni yori' (due to).
定価改定の通知が届きました。
A notice of list price revision has arrived.
Compound noun 'teika kaitei' (price revision).
定価と実売価格の差が大きいです。
The difference between the list price and the actual selling price is large.
Particle 'to' used for comparison.
定価で買うのはもったいない。
It's a waste to buy it at the list price.
Nominalizer 'no' making the phrase a subject.
定価を維持するのは難しい状況です。
It is a difficult situation to maintain the list price.
Verb 'iji suru' (to maintain).
定価の妥当性を検討しています。
We are examining the validity of the list price.
Abstract noun 'datousei' (validity).
定価を下げてシェアを拡大する。
Lower the list price to expand market share.
Te-form used to show means/method.
定価は消費税込みの表記です。
The list price is shown including consumption tax.
Compound 'shouhizei-komi' (tax included).
定価政策がブランドイメージに直結する。
Pricing policy directly impacts brand image.
Verb 'chokketsu suru' (to be directly linked).
定価の拘束は独占禁止法に抵触する恐れがある。
Price fixing may conflict with the Anti-Monopoly Act.
Formal verb 'teishoku suru' (to conflict/violate).
定価に対する消費者の抵抗感が強い。
Consumer resistance to the list price is strong.
Structure 'ni taisuru' (towards/against).
定価を度外視したプレミアム価格がついている。
A premium price is set, ignoring the list price.
Idiom 'dogai-shi' (to disregard/ignore).
定価の弾力性が市場の動向を左右する。
Price elasticity influences market trends.
Verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence/control).
定価販売を貫く姿勢が評価されている。
The stance of sticking to fixed-price sales is highly regarded.
Verb 'tsuranuku' (to stick to/pierce through).
定価の不透明さが不信感を招いている。
The lack of transparency in list pricing is causing distrust.
Noun 'futoumeisa' (lack of transparency).
定価の枠組みを超えた取引が行われている。
Transactions are occurring outside the framework of list prices.
Structure 'o koeta' (exceeding/beyond).
定価という概念そのものが揺らいでいる。
The very concept of a 'fixed price' is being shaken.
Emphasis 'sono mono' (itself).
定価の形骸化が小売業界の課題である。
The list price becoming a mere formality is a challenge for the retail industry.
Academic term 'keigaika' (becoming a shell/formality).
定価は文化的多様性を保護する防波堤となり得るか。
Can fixed pricing serve as a breakwater to protect cultural diversity?
Metaphorical use of 'bouhatei' (breakwater).
定価の呪縛から逃れ、ダイナミックプライシングへ移行する。
Escaping the 'curse' of fixed prices and moving toward dynamic pricing.
Metaphorical 'jubaku' (curse/spell).
定価がもたらす市場の安定性と硬直性のジレンマ。
The dilemma between market stability and rigidity brought by fixed prices.
Noun 'koujokusei' (rigidity/stiffness).
定価設定におけるアルゴリズムの介入とその是非。
The intervention of algorithms in setting list prices and its pros and cons.
Formal 'sono zehi' (the right or wrong of it).
定価の再定義がデジタル経済下で急務となっている。
Redefining list price has become an urgent task under the digital economy.
Compound 'kyuumu' (urgent task).
定価の背後にある生産者の矜持を読み解く。
Deciphering the producer's pride that lies behind the list price.
Literary term 'kyouji' (pride/dignity).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Look for the characters '定価' on the barcode area of Japanese products.
In Japan, 'Teika' is legally binding for specific items (books), unlike MSRP in the US.
Use 'Teika' for goods, 'Ryoukin' for services.
- Using 'Teika' for restaurant menus.
- Saying 'Teika o harau'.
- Confusing 'Teika' with 'Genka'.
- Using 'Teika' for electricity bills.
- Thinking 'Teika' includes a discount.
Tips
Check the Back
On Japanese books, the 'Teika' is almost always on the back cover near the barcode. It's the most reliable way to know the price.
Pair with Particles
Always remember '定価で' (at list price). It's the most common way to use the word in a sentence.
No Bargaining
If a sign says '定価販売' (Teika Hanbai), do not try to negotiate. It means the price is strictly fixed by law or policy.
Use in Reports
When writing business emails, use '定価' to refer to your company's official pricing to sound professional.
Noun Status
Treat 'Teika' like any other noun. It doesn't have special conjugations.
TV Ads
Listen for the word 'Teika' in late-night infomercials. They use it to make their 'special price' sound like a better deal.
Kanji Recognition
Focus on the first kanji 定 (fix). If you see it in a price context, it's almost certainly 'Teika'.
Teika vs MSRP
While similar to MSRP, 'Teika' is often more 'fixed' in the Japanese consumer's mind.
Online Filters
On sites like Mercari, you can't filter by 'Teika', but sellers will often put it in the description.
Gift Giving
When giving a gift, it is polite to remove the 'Teika' tag so the recipient doesn't know the exact cost.
Memorize It
Visual Association
Imagine a price tag that is physically glued or bolted to a product so it cannot be changed.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Cultural Context
The Saihan Seido (Resale Price Maintenance) is a legal exception to anti-monopoly laws for cultural goods.
Since 2021, Japan requires 'Sougou Gakuhyouji' (Total Price Display), meaning the teika shown must include tax or clearly state the tax-included price.
Paying teika in a luxury store is a sign of status; asking for a discount is often seen as 'uncool' (kakko warui).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"この本の定価はいくらですか？ (How much is the list price of this book?)"
"定価より安く買える店を知っていますか？ (Do you know a shop where I can buy it cheaper than list price?)"
"日本では本が定価で売られているのはなぜですか？ (Why are books sold at fixed prices in Japan?)"
"最近、定価が上がった商品はありますか？ (Are there any products whose list price has gone up recently?)"
"定価で買うのと中古で買うの、どちらがいいですか？ (Which is better, buying at list price or buying used?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、定価で買ったものをリストアップしてください。 (List the things you bought at list price today.)
定価販売制度についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the fixed-price sales system?)
あなたが一番高いと思う定価の商品は？ (What is the product with the highest list price you know?)
割引と定価、どちらが安心しますか？ (Which makes you feel more secure, a discount or a fixed price?)
自分の国の定価システムについて書いてください。 (Write about the list price system in your country.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. In the past, it often didn't, but now most displays show the tax-included price. Look for '税込' (zeikomi) to be sure.
Generally, no. 'Teika' implies the price is fixed. However, in electronics stores, you can negotiate the 'selling price' if it's not a strictly fixed-price item.
Japan has a 'Resale Price Maintenance System' to protect the publishing industry and ensure books cost the same everywhere.
The closest opposite is 'Open Price' (オープンプライス), where the manufacturer doesn't set a list price.
No, second-hand items have a 'Chuko Kakaku' (used price). 'Teika' is only used as a reference to show how much it cost when new.
Yes, it is a formal and technical term used in business and retail.
No, it is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'teika-suru'.
You say '定価以下' (teika ika).
It refers to a price that is higher than the original list price, common in the scalping or collectors' market.
Yes, for packaged goods like snacks or canned food, but not usually for fresh produce like vegetables.
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Summary
Teika is the 'anchor' of Japanese commerce. It represents the official, non-negotiable value of a product as intended by its creator, providing a sense of fairness and consistency in the marketplace, especially within the publishing industry.
- Teika refers to the fixed list price set by a manufacturer, common in Japanese retail for books and CDs.
- It serves as a benchmark for discounts and is often printed directly on the product packaging in Japan.
- Unlike 'open prices', teika is meant to be uniform across all retail locations to ensure market stability.
- Grammatically, it is a noun used with particles like 'de' (at) or 'no' (possessive) in shopping contexts.
Check the Back
On Japanese books, the 'Teika' is almost always on the back cover near the barcode. It's the most reliable way to know the price.
Pair with Particles
Always remember '定価で' (at list price). It's the most common way to use the word in a sentence.
No Bargaining
If a sign says '定価販売' (Teika Hanbai), do not try to negotiate. It means the price is strictly fixed by law or policy.
Use in Reports
When writing business emails, use '定価' to refer to your company's official pricing to sound professional.
Example
定価で売ります。
Related Content
More Shopping words
航空券
A1An airline ticket or electronic document issued by an airline or travel agency that entitles the bearer to a seat on a flight. It serves as proof of purchase and is required to receive a boarding pass at the airport.
割引
A1A reduction in the price of a product or service, often expressed as a percentage or a specific amount. It is commonly used in shopping and business contexts to encourage sales or provide benefits to specific groups.
割り引き
A1A reduction made from the gross amount or value of something, such as a price or a bill. It is commonly used in shopping and business contexts to describe paying less than the original price.
料金
A1Ryōkin refers to a fee, charge, or fare paid in exchange for a specific service or the use of a facility. It is commonly used for things like utility bills, transportation fares, and admission fees.
乗車券
A1A passenger ticket used for travel on public transportation, such as trains, buses, or ships. It specifically refers to the document or digital proof that allows a person to board a vehicle for a certain distance or route.
代金
A1Daikin refers to the specific amount of money paid or to be paid in exchange for goods or items purchased. It is most commonly used in retail and commercial contexts when referring to the payment for a physical product.
薬局
A1A pharmacy or drugstore where medicines are prepared, dispensed, and sold. In Japan, it specifically refers to establishments that handle medical prescriptions from doctors.
値下げ
A1A price reduction or markdown on goods or services. It refers to the act of lowering the cost of an item from its original price, often to increase sales or clear stock.
値上げ
A1The act of increasing the price or cost of a product or service. It is used when a seller or the market raises the amount of money required to purchase something.
値引き
A1A reduction in the price of a product or service offered by a seller to a buyer. It is commonly used in negotiations or when a store lowers prices for specific items, such as clearing stock or near-expiry food.
