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B1 noun 11 min read

月給

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 月給 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 月給 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'gekkyū' means 'monthly salary.' It is a combination of 'getsu' (month) and 'kyū' (pay). You can use it in simple sentences like 'Gekkyū wa ikura desu ka?' (How much is the monthly salary?). It is a basic word to learn when you start talking about jobs and money. You might see it on signs or in simple books. Remember that in Japan, most people get paid once a month, not every week. So, 'gekkyū' is a very important word for living in Japan. You can think of it as your 'monthly money' from your job. Just remember the 'getsu' part means month, and that will help you remember the meaning. It is a noun, so you can use it with 'desu' or 'wa.' For example, 'Gekkyū wa ni-jū-man en desu' (The monthly salary is 200,000 yen). This is a great word to add to your basic vocabulary about daily life and work.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'gekkyū' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about whether a salary is 'takai' (high) or 'yasui' (low). For example, 'Gekkyū ga takai shigoto ga shitai desu' (I want to do a job where the monthly salary is high). You should also learn the word 'gekkyū-bi,' which means 'payday.' This is the day everyone is happy! You can say 'Ashita wa gekkyū-bi desu' (Tomorrow is payday). You are beginning to understand that 'gekkyū' is used for full-time jobs, whereas 'jikkyū' is for part-time jobs (hourly pay). When you look at job ads, you will see 'gekkyū' followed by a number. This is the amount you get before taxes. You can also use it with verbs like 'morau' (to receive). 'Watashi wa maitsuki gekkyū o moraimasu' (I receive a monthly salary every month). This level is about connecting the word to your personal life and goals.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'gekkyū' compared to other words like 'kyūryō' or 'nenshū.' 'Gekkyū' specifically refers to the monthly cycle, which is the standard for most corporate employees in Japan. You can use it to discuss more complex topics, like raises or budget planning. For example, 'Gekkyū ga agattara, atarashii kuruma o kaitai desu' (If my monthly salary goes up, I want to buy a new car). You should also be aware of 'gekkyū-sei,' the monthly salary system. This is often contrasted with 'jikkyū-sei' (hourly system). At this level, you can handle conversations about employment terms. You might hear someone say 'Gekkyū wa ii keredo, zangyō ga ooi' (The monthly salary is good, but there is a lot of overtime). This shows you understand that 'gekkyū' is just one part of the working conditions. You can also use it in the context of 'te-dori' (take-home pay) to explain your actual financial situation.

At the B2 level, you can use 'gekkyū' in professional and formal contexts. You understand that 'gekkyū' usually refers to the base pay ('kihon-kyū') plus certain fixed allowances, but might not include variable overtime pay. You can participate in discussions about labor conditions and economic trends. For instance, 'Saikin no bukka jōshō ni gekkyū ga oitsuite inai' (Monthly salaries are not keeping up with the recent rise in prices). You can also use the word in more abstract ways, such as discussing the 'gekkyū-bi no tanoshimi' (the joy of payday) or the social implications of the seniority-based 'gekkyū' system in Japan. You should be comfortable reading 'gekkyū' in news articles or company reports. You understand that 'gekkyū' is a key metric for calculating social insurance premiums and taxes. Your ability to use 'gekkyū' correctly in a business meeting or a formal interview will demonstrate your professional Japanese skills.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the socio-economic implications of the 'gekkyū' system. You can discuss the historical transition from daily wages to monthly salaries and how it shaped the modern Japanese 'salaryman' identity. You can use 'gekkyū' in complex grammatical structures and in high-level business negotiations. For example, you might analyze how 'gekkyū' structures affect employee motivation or company loyalty. You can also understand legal nuances, such as how 'gekkyū' is defined in the Labor Standards Act and how it relates to 'chingin' (wages) and 'hōshū' (remuneration). You are aware of the 'gekkyū' differences across various industries and how these reflect broader societal inequalities. In a debate, you could argue the pros and cons of the 'gekkyū' system versus more flexible, performance-based pay structures. Your use of 'gekkyū' is precise, nuanced, and culturally informed.

At the C2 level, you use 'gekkyū' with the fluency of a native speaker, understanding all its subtle connotations and technical applications. You can interpret and produce complex documents, such as labor contracts or economic white papers, where 'gekkyū' is a central term. You can discuss the macroeconomic impact of 'gekkyū' trends on national consumption and inflation. You are also familiar with the literary and cultural references to 'gekkyū' in Japanese literature and film, where it often symbolizes the stability or the monotony of middle-class life. You can navigate the most sensitive discussions regarding compensation, including gender pay gaps and the disparity between regular and non-regular employees, using 'gekkyū' as a key point of comparison. Your mastery of the word extends to its most formal and its most colloquial uses, and you can switch between them effortlessly depending on the audience and the context. You understand the profound psychological impact of the 'gekkyū' on the Japanese psyche.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

月給 in 30 Seconds

月給 (gekkyū) means 'monthly salary' and is the standard way of getting paid for full-time work in Japan.
It is a combination of the kanji for 'month' and 'pay,' emphasizing the regular monthly cycle of income.
Commonly used in job ads, business contracts, and daily life to discuss household budgets and professional earnings.
Distinct from 'jikkyū' (hourly pay) and 'nenshū' (annual income), it represents stability in the Japanese workforce.

The Japanese word 月給 (gekkyū) is a fundamental term in the Japanese professional landscape, specifically referring to a monthly salary. In the context of Japanese employment culture, this word carries significant weight as it represents the standard mode of compensation for full-time employees, often referred to as 'salarymen' or 'office ladies.' Unlike hourly wages, which are common for part-time work, or annual salaries, which are often discussed in executive or international contexts, gekkyū is the heartbeat of the Japanese household economy. It is the fixed amount paid to an employee every month, typically on a specific date like the 25th. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition and into the social contract of Japanese labor.

Kanji Breakdown: The first kanji, 月 (getsu), means 'moon' or 'month.' The second kanji, 給 (kyū), means 'supply,' 'provide,' or 'pay.' Together, they literally translate to 'monthly provision' or 'monthly pay.'
Socio-Economic Context: In Japan, the gekkyū system is often tied to the seniority-based pay system (nenkō joretsu), where your monthly pay increases steadily with your years of service. It provides a sense of stability that is deeply valued in Japanese society.

私の会社は、毎月25日に月給が振り込まれます。(At my company, the monthly salary is deposited on the 25th of every month.)

When people use gekkyū, they are usually talking about the base pay before deductions like health insurance, pension, and taxes, or sometimes they are referring to the net 'take-home' pay depending on the conversation's depth. It is a word heard in job interviews, family budget planning, and news reports about the economy. It is distinct from shoyū (bonus), which is a separate, significant payment made twice a year in many Japanese companies. If you are looking for a job in Japan, you will see gekkyū listed clearly in the employment terms. It signifies a level of commitment and stability higher than that of a 'baito' (part-time) worker who earns an hourly wage.

新入社員の月給は、平均して20万円程度です。(The monthly salary for new employees is, on average, about 200,000 yen.)

Register and Nuance: It is a neutral to formal term. In casual conversation among friends, people might just say 'kyūryō,' but in any administrative or semi-formal context, 'gekkyū' is the precise term to use.

Historically, the concept of a fixed monthly salary became the norm during Japan's rapid modernization and industrialization. It moved the workforce away from daily or seasonal labor toward a more structured corporate life. Today, even with the rise of performance-based pay, the gekkyū remains the bedrock of the Japanese employment contract. It is often supplemented by various allowances, such as 'tsūkin teate' (commuting allowance) or 'kazoku teate' (family allowance), which are added to the base gekkyū.

彼は月給が高い仕事を探しています。(He is looking for a job with a high monthly salary.)

Using 月給 (gekkyū) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with verbs like 'morau' (to receive), 'ageru' (to raise), or 'kimaru' (to be decided). Because it represents a specific amount of money, it is often modified by adjectives or numbers. In Japanese grammar, gekkyū functions as the subject or object of the sentence, depending on whether you are talking about the payment itself or the act of receiving it.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 月給をもらう (Gekkyū o morau): To receive a monthly salary.
2. 月給を上げる (Gekkyū o ageru): To raise the monthly salary.
3. 月給が上がる (Gekkyū ga agaru): The monthly salary goes up.

昇進したので、月給が５万円上がりました。(Because I was promoted, my monthly salary went up by 50,000 yen.)

In business negotiations, gekkyū is used to define the terms of employment. For example, 'Gekkyū ni-jū-man en' (Monthly salary of 200,000 yen). It is important to note that when discussing the 'starting salary,' the term shoninkyū is used, which is a specific type of gekkyū. When comparing jobs, you might say 'Gekkyū no ii shigoto' (A job with a good monthly salary). The word is versatile but stays strictly within the realm of monthly compensation.

Sentence Structure with Particles: Use the particle 'wa' for the topic, 'ga' for the subject (especially with 'agaru'), and 'o' for the direct object (especially with 'morau' or 'ueru').

今の月給では、家賃を払うのが精一杯です。(With my current monthly salary, I can barely manage to pay the rent.)

Furthermore, gekkyū can be used in compound words. For instance, gekkyū-bi refers to the 'salary day' or 'payday.' This is a very common word in daily life, as it marks the day people go out to celebrate or pay their bills. Another compound is gekkyū-sei, which refers to the 'monthly salary system,' as opposed to 'jikkyū-sei' (hourly wage system).

彼は月給制で働いています。(He works under a monthly salary system.)

In a formal setting, such as a contract, the phrasing might be 'Gekkyū wa gaku-men de... to suru' (The monthly salary shall be ... in gross amount). Here, 'gaku-men' refers to the face value before deductions. Understanding these nuances helps in navigating the complexities of Japanese work culture and financial discussions.

Expressing Dissatisfaction or Satisfaction: 'Gekkyū ga yasui' (Monthly salary is low) and 'Gekkyū ga takai' (Monthly salary is high) are the standard ways to express the level of pay. 'Yasui' is used instead of 'hikui' (low) in common speech, though 'hikui' is also correct.

この仕事は大変ですが、月給は悪くありません。(This job is tough, but the monthly salary isn't bad.)

You will encounter the word 月給 (gekkyū) in a variety of real-world settings in Japan, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. One of the most common places is in job advertisements posted in stations, online job boards like Rikunabi or Hello Work, and in recruitment magazines. Here, gekkyū is the standard unit of measure for potential earnings, allowing applicants to calculate their monthly budget and lifestyle feasibility.

In the Workplace: Within a company, HR departments use this term in payroll statements (kyūryō meisaisho). When employees discuss their benefits or when a union negotiates for a 'base-up' (increase in the base salary), gekkyū is the central term of discussion.

求人票には、月給25万円以上と書いてありました。(The job posting said a monthly salary of 250,000 yen or more.)

In the media, news reports about the economy, labor statistics, and the 'shuntō' (spring wage offensive) frequently use gekkyū. When the government reports on the average income of citizens, they often break it down into gekkyū to make it more relatable to the average person's monthly expenses. You might also hear it in television dramas, particularly those focused on the lives of office workers, where characters might complain about their stagnant gekkyū or celebrate a small raise.

ニュースによると、今年の平均月給は微増したそうです。(According to the news, the average monthly salary this year has slightly increased.)

Banks and financial institutions also use this word when you apply for a credit card or a loan. They will ask for your 'gekkyū' to determine your creditworthiness. Similarly, real estate agents will ask about your gekkyū to ensure you can afford the monthly rent of an apartment. It is a word that anchors your social and economic status in many administrative interactions.

Daily Life and Family: In a household, a spouse might ask, 'Koshigetsu no gekkyū wa ikura datta?' (How much was the monthly salary this month?) especially if there was overtime pay (zangyō-dai) included. It is the basis for the family's monthly budget (kakeibo).

私の月給だけでは、家族を養うのが大変です。(It is hard to support a family on my monthly salary alone.)

Finally, in the education sector, when discussing the careers of graduates, teachers and career counselors will use gekkyū to compare different industries. It serves as a benchmark for what students can expect when they enter the 'shakai' (society). Whether in a bank, a boardroom, or a living room, gekkyū is a word that everyone understands and interacts with regularly.

While 月給 (gekkyū) seems straightforward, learners often make mistakes by confusing it with related terms or using it in the wrong context. The most common error is using gekkyū when you actually mean kyūryō. While kyūryō is a general term for 'wages' or 'pay,' gekkyū specifically refers to the monthly amount. If you are talking about money earned from a part-time job where you are paid hourly, using gekkyū is incorrect; you should use jikkyū (hourly wage) or simply kyūryō.

Mistake 1: Confusing with Hourly Pay: Incorrect: 'Arubaito no gekkyū wa 1000-en desu.' (The monthly salary of the part-time job is 1000 yen.)
Correct: 'Arubaito no jikkyū wa 1000-en desu.' (The hourly wage of the part-time job is 1000 yen.)

間違いやすい点：月給は一ヶ月の合計ですが、時給は一時間の給料です。(Common mistake: Gekkyū is the monthly total, but jikkyū is the hourly pay.)

Another common mistake is not distinguishing between 'gross' (gaku-men) and 'net' (te-dori). When someone asks about your gekkyū, they usually mean the gross amount before taxes. If you give your take-home pay amount and call it gekkyū, it might lead to misunderstandings in a formal or financial context. It is better to specify te-dori if you are talking about the actual cash you receive.

「月給」と「手取り」を混同しないようにしましょう。(Let's not confuse 'monthly salary' with 'take-home pay.')

Learners also sometimes use the wrong adjectives. While 'takai' (high) and 'yasui' (cheap/low) are the most common, some might try to use 'ōi' (many) or 'sukunai' (few) which sounds unnatural when directly modifying gekkyū. Instead of saying 'Gekkyū ga ōi,' say 'Gekkyū ga takai.' However, you can say 'Kyūryō ga ōi' in some contexts, but 'takai' is the safer and more standard choice for gekkyū.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Adjective: Unnatural: 'Gekkyū ga sukunai.'
Natural: 'Gekkyū ga yasui' or 'Gekkyū ga hikui.'

「月給が安い」と言うのが一般的です。(It is common to say 'the monthly salary is low/cheap.')

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. 'Gekkyū' has a double 'k' sound (geminate consonant) and a long 'ū' sound. If you say 'gekyu' or 'gekkyu' (short u), it might not be understood immediately. Proper intonation and vowel length are key to being understood clearly in professional settings.

To truly master 月給 (gekkyū), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. While they all relate to money earned from work, each has a specific nuance and context.

月給 (Gekkyū) vs. 給料 (Kyūryō): Gekkyū is specific to the monthly amount. Kyūryō is a broad, general term for salary or wages. You can use kyūryō in almost any situation, but gekkyū is more precise for monthly-paid professionals.
月給 (Gekkyū) vs. 年収 (Nenshū): Nenshū is your total annual income, including bonuses and all allowances. Gekkyū is just what you get per month. In Japan, because bonuses can be quite large, there is often a significant difference between gekkyū x 12 and your actual nenshū.

月給は毎月の額、年収は一年間の合計額です。(Gekkyū is the monthly amount; nenshū is the total annual amount.)

Other related terms include jikkyū (hourly wage), nikkyū (daily wage), and shūkyū (weekly wage). These are used depending on the frequency of payment and the type of employment contract. For instance, construction workers or day laborers might discuss their nikkyū, while students working at a convenience store focus on their jikkyū.

月給 (Gekkyū) vs. 手取り (Te-dori): Te-dori is the actual 'take-home' pay after taxes and insurance. Gekkyū usually refers to the 'gaku-men' (gross) amount. When budgeting, te-dori is the more practical number to use.

求人票の月給と実際の手取り額は異なります。(The monthly salary on the job posting and the actual take-home pay are different.)

In very formal or academic contexts, you might see hōshū (remuneration) or chingin (wages - often used in labor law and statistics). Gekkyū remains the most common term for daily professional life. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the right word for the right situation, showing a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.

公務員の月給は法律で決められています。(The monthly salary of civil servants is determined by law.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the 'gekkyū' system became standard, many workers in Japan were paid daily in cash. The switch to monthly bank transfers was a major shift in how Japanese people managed their time and money.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɛk.kjuː/

US /ɡɛk.kju/

The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (flat) or 'Atamadaka' (initial high) depending on regional dialect, but standard Japanese often uses a flat pitch.

Rhymes With

鉄級 (tekkyū) 特急 (tokkyū) 北欧 (hokuō - partial) 学級 (gakkyū) 卓球 (takkyū) 至急 (shikyū - partial) 支給 (shikyū - partial) 欠乏 (ketsubō - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'gekyu' without the double 'k' sound.
Shortening the final 'u' sound to 'gekyu'.
Confusing the 'ge' sound with 'gi'.
Putting the stress on the wrong syllable.
Misreading the kanji as 'tsukikyū'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common (N5/N4 level), but the context can be professional.

Writing 3/5

Both kanji are standard, but '給' has many strokes to remember.

Speaking 2/5

The word is easy to say, but the double 'k' requires attention.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in conversation due to its distinct rhythm.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

月 (Month) お金 (Money) 仕事 (Work) 会社 (Company) もらう (To receive)

Learn Next

時給 (Hourly pay) ボーナス (Bonus) 税金 (Tax) 保険 (Insurance) 貯金 (Savings)

Advanced

厚生年金 (Welfare pension) 源泉徴収 (Withholding tax) 労使交渉 (Labor-management negotiations) 春闘 (Spring wage offensive) 裁量労働制 (Discretionary labor system)

Grammar to Know

Noun + は + Amount + です

月給は30万円です。

Noun + が + Verb (Intransitive)

月給が上がる。

Noun + を + Verb (Transitive)

月給を上げる。

Noun + に + Verb (Passive)

月給が銀行に振り込まれる。

Noun + から + Noun + が + 引かれる

月給から所得税が引かれる。

Examples by Level

月給はいくらですか？

How much is the monthly salary?

Simple question using 'wa' and 'desu ka'.

月給は20万円です。

The monthly salary is 200,000 yen.

Simple statement of fact.

月給をもらいました。

I received my monthly salary.

Past tense of 'morau' (to receive).

今日は月給日です。

Today is payday.

Compound word 'gekkyū-bi'.

月給が安いです。

The monthly salary is low.

Adjective 'yasui' modifying 'gekkyū'.

月給が高い仕事です。

It is a job with a high monthly salary.

Adjective 'takai' modifying 'gekkyū' which then modifies 'shigoto'.

父の月給は高いです。

My father's monthly salary is high.

Possessive 'no'.

月給は銀行に入ります。

The monthly salary goes into the bank.

Particle 'ni' for direction/destination.

月給が上がって嬉しいです。

I'm happy because my monthly salary went up.

Using the '-te' form to show reason/cause.

月給で新しいパソコンを買いました。

I bought a new computer with my monthly salary.

Particle 'de' showing means or instrument.

この会社の月給はいくらからですか？

From how much is the monthly salary at this company?

Using 'kara' (from) to ask about the starting range.

月給日は毎月25日です。

Payday is the 25th of every month.

Using 'maitsuki' (every month).

月給が安いので、貯金ができません。

Because the monthly salary is low, I can't save money.

Using 'node' (because) and the potential negative 'dekimasen'.

月給をもらったら、旅行に行きます。

When I get my monthly salary, I will go on a trip.

Using the '-tara' conditional form.

彼は月給制で働いています。

He works under a monthly salary system.

Compound word 'gekkyū-sei'.

月給の額を教えてください。

Please tell me the amount of the monthly salary.

Using 'o oshiete kudasai' (please tell me).

月給だけでなく、ボーナスも重要です。

Not just the monthly salary, but bonuses are also important.

Using 'dake de naku' (not only...).

今の月給では、一人暮らしは厳しいです。

With my current monthly salary, living alone is tough.

Using 'dewa' to set a condition or context.

月給が手取りで20万円なら、生活できます。

If the monthly salary is 200,000 yen in take-home pay, I can live on it.

Using 'te-dori' to specify net pay.

月給の交渉をするのは勇気がいります。

It takes courage to negotiate your monthly salary.

Nominalizing the verb phrase with 'no'.

彼は月給がいい仕事に転職しました。

He changed jobs to one with a good monthly salary.

Using 'tenshoku' (job change).

月給から税金が引かれます。

Taxes are deducted from the monthly salary.

Passive voice 'hikaremasu'.

月給の平均額を調べてみました。

I tried looking up the average monthly salary amount.

Using the '-te miru' form (to try doing).

月給が上がらないので、やる気が出ません。

Since the monthly salary doesn't go up, I don't feel motivated.

Using 'node' for cause and effect.

月給のベースアップが労働組合によって要求された。

A base increase in monthly salary was demanded by the labor union.

Formal passive voice with 'ni yotte'.

月給の額面と手取りの差に驚いた。

I was surprised by the difference between the gross and net monthly salary.

Using 'gaku-men' and 'te-dori' for contrast.

月給が固定されているので、残業代が出ないこともある。

Since the monthly salary is fixed, sometimes overtime pay is not provided.

Using 'kotei' (fixed) and 'koto mo aru' (sometimes happen).

月給の範囲内で生活をやりくりする。

To manage one's life within the range of the monthly salary.

Using 'han'i-nai' (within range).

月給の引き上げが経済の活性化につながる。

An increase in monthly salaries leads to the revitalization of the economy.

Using 'ni tsunagaru' (lead to).

彼女は月給の半分を貯金に回している。

She puts half of her monthly salary into savings.

Using 'ni mawasu' (to channel/direct towards).

月給が支払われないというトラブルが発生した。

A trouble occurred where the monthly salary was not paid.

Using 'to iu' to define the trouble.

月給の額は、経験やスキルによって決定される。

The amount of the monthly salary is determined by experience and skills.

Using 'ni yotte kettei sareru' (determined by).

月給制のメリットは、収入が安定していることだ。

The merit of the monthly salary system is that income is stable.

Formal structure using 'koto da' for definition.

月給の停滞が若者の消費意欲を削いでいる。

The stagnation of monthly salaries is dampening the consumption desire of young people.

Using 'teitai' (stagnation) and 'soide iru' (dampening/discouraging).

月給に含まれる諸手当の内訳を詳しく確認する。

To check the details of the various allowances included in the monthly salary.

Using 'uchi-wake' (breakdown/details).

月給の格差は、社会的な不平等の象徴となっている。

The disparity in monthly salaries has become a symbol of social inequality.

Using 'kakusa' (disparity/gap) and 'shōchō' (symbol).

月給を基準として、厚生年金の保険料が算出される。

Welfare pension insurance premiums are calculated based on the monthly salary.

Using 'o kijun to shite' (based on).

月給の額は、労使間の合意によって定められるべきだ。

The amount of monthly salary should be determined by agreement between labor and management.

Using 'beki da' (should).

月給の伸び率がインフレ率を下回っている。

The growth rate of monthly salaries is below the inflation rate.

Using 'nobi-ritsu' (growth rate) and 'shitama-tte iru' (falling below).

月給の一部を投資に充てることで、資産形成を図る。

To aim for asset building by allocating a part of the monthly salary to investment.

Using 'ni ateru' (to allocate/devote) and 'hakaru' (to aim for).

月給体系の抜本的な見直しが、企業の競争力を左右する。

A fundamental review of the monthly salary system influences a company's competitiveness.

Using 'bappon-teki' (radical/fundamental) and 'sayū suru' (influence/determine).

月給の硬直性が、労働市場の流動性を妨げているとの指摘がある。

There are points made that the rigidity of monthly salaries hinders the liquidity of the labor market.

Using 'kōchoku-sei' (rigidity) and 'samata-gete iru' (hindering).

月給に占める基本給の割合は、業種によって大きく異なる。

The proportion of base pay within the monthly salary varies greatly by industry.

Using 'ni shimeru' (occupying/accounting for).

月給の算定根拠を透明化することは、従業員の信頼獲得に不可欠だ。

Making the basis for calculating monthly salaries transparent is essential for gaining employee trust.

Using 'santei konkyo' (calculation basis) and 'fuketsu' (indispensable).

月給の推移を長期的に分析すると、日本経済の構造的課題が見えてくる。

Analyzing the trends in monthly salaries over the long term reveals the structural challenges of the Japanese economy.

Using 'suī' (transition/trend) and 'kōzō-teki kadai' (structural challenge).

月給という形態が、日本独自の職能給制度と深く結びついている。

The form of monthly salary is deeply linked to Japan's unique job-ability-based pay system.

Using 'shokunō-kyū' (job-ability-based pay).

月給の最低賃金制度は、労働者の生活の質を保障するためのセーフティネットである。

The minimum monthly salary system is a safety net to guarantee the quality of life for workers.

Using 'saifuti-netto' (safety net).

月給の額が個人のアイデンティティや自尊心に与える影響は看過できない。

The impact of the monthly salary amount on an individual's identity and self-esteem cannot be overlooked.

Using 'kanko dekinai' (cannot be overlooked/ignored).

Common Collocations

月給を上げる

月給が上がる

月給が高い

月給が安い

月給制

月給日

月給の額面

月給をもらう

月給を支払う

月給未払い

Common Phrases

月給取り

— A person who lives on a monthly salary; a salaried worker.

彼は平凡な月給取りだ。

固定月給

— A fixed monthly salary that doesn't change regardless of hours.

固定月給なので、収入が安定している。

基本月給

— The base monthly salary before adding any allowances.

基本月給に住宅手当が加算される。

月給三月分

— An amount equal to three months' salary, often used for engagement ring costs.

婚約指輪は月給三月分と言われていた。

月給の据え置き

— Keeping the monthly salary at the same level (no raise).

不況のため、今年は月給が据え置きになった。

月給のカット

— A reduction or cut in the monthly salary.

業績悪化により、役員の月給がカットされた。

手取り月給

— The take-home monthly salary after deductions.

手取り月給が25万円あれば十分だ。

月給袋

— A salary envelope (though most pay is now digital).

昔は月給袋を妻に渡すのが習慣だった。

月給ベース

— On a monthly salary basis.

月給ベースで考えると、こちらの仕事の方が得だ。

月給の交渉

— Negotiation of the monthly salary.

月給の交渉がうまくいった。

Often Confused With

月給 vs 月収 (getshū)

Getshū is total monthly income (including side jobs), while gekkyū is specifically the salary from one job.

月給 vs 給料 (kyūryō)

Kyūryō is a general word for pay, while gekkyū is specifically monthly.

月給 vs 時給 (jikkyū)

Jikkyū is hourly pay, used for part-time work.

Idioms & Expressions

"月給取りの悲哀"

— The sorrows or struggles of a salaried worker.

彼は酒を飲みながら月給取りの悲哀を語った。

Literary/Colloquial

"月給を食いつぶす"

— To use up one's entire monthly salary quickly.

ギャンブルで月給を食いつぶしてしまった。

Informal

"月給に色をつける"

— To add a small extra amount (bonus/allowance) to the salary.

社長が今月の月給に少し色をつけてくれた。

Colloquial

"月給を弾む"

— To pay a generous or higher-than-usual salary.

優秀な人材を確保するために、月給を弾んだ。

Colloquial

"月給で首が回らない"

— To be unable to make ends meet even with a monthly salary.

借金が多くて、今の月給では首が回らない。

Informal

"月給の奴隷"

— A 'slave' to one's monthly salary; someone who only works for the money.

彼は自分を月給の奴隷だと自嘲した。

Critical

"月給三日天下"

— Feeling rich for only three days after payday before the money runs out.

月給三日天下で、月末はいつも貧乏だ。

Humorous

"月給を棒に振る"

— To lose or waste one's monthly salary completely.

不注意で、今月の月給を棒に振ってしまった。

Informal

"月給が右から左へ抜ける"

— Money coming in and immediately going out to pay bills.

月給が右から左へ抜けていくので、手元に残らない。

Colloquial

"月給を握りしめる"

— To hold onto one's salary tightly (to be very frugal or to value it highly).

彼は少ない月給を握りしめて、家族のために頑張っている。

Empathetic

Easily Confused

月給 vs 月給 (gekkyū)

Sounds similar to other 'kyū' words.

Refers specifically to the monthly total pay.

月給は30万円です。

月給 vs 学級 (gakkyū)

Pronunciation is very similar.

Gakkyū means a school class or grade.

新しい学級に慣れました。

月給 vs 特急 (tokkyū)

Rhymes and has similar rhythm.

Tokkyū means limited express train.

特急に乗って大阪へ行く。

月給 vs 至急 (shikyū)

Ends in 'kyū'.

Shikyū means 'urgent' or 'immediately'.

至急、連絡してください。

月給 vs 支給 (shikyū)

Ends in 'kyū' and relates to payment.

Shikyū is the verb/noun for the act of providing or paying.

交通費が支給されます。

Sentence Patterns

月給は [Amount] です。

月給は25万円です。

月給で [Item] を買います。

月給で服を買います。

[Reason] ので、月給が上がりました。

頑張ったので、月給が上がりました。

月給が [Adjective] 仕事を探しています。

月給が高い仕事を探しています。

月給から [Item] が引かれます。

月給から保険料が引かれます。

月給を [Action] するのは大変です。

月給を管理するのは大変です。

月給の [Noun] が問題になっている。

月給の格差が問題になっている。

月給体系を [Verb] する必要がある。

月給体系を見直す必要がある。

Word Family

Nouns

給料 (kyūryō)

月給日 (gekkyū-bi)

月給制 (gekkyū-sei)

基本給 (kihon-kyū)

初任給 (shoninkyū)

Verbs

給する (kyū-suru - to provide/supply)

給与する (kyūyo-suru - to pay/grant)

月 (getsu - month)

給与 (kyūyo - pay)

収入 (shūnyū - income)

稼ぎ (kasegi - earnings)

賃金 (chingin - wages)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional and financial contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'gekkyū' for hourly wages. → 時給 (jikkyū)
Learners often use 'gekkyū' as a general word for 'pay,' but it only applies to monthly fixed amounts.
Saying 'gekkyū ga sukunai'. → 月給が安い (gekkyū ga yasui)
While 'sukunai' means 'few,' 'yasui' (cheap/low) is the more natural adjective for salary amount.
Mispronouncing as 'gekyu'. → 月給 (gekkyū)
Missing the geminate 'k' (small tsu) makes the word sound like something else or just incorrect.
Confusing 'gekkyū' with 'nenshū' in interviews. → 月給 (monthly) vs 年収 (annual)
Telling an interviewer your 'nenshū' when they ask for 'gekkyū' will cause significant confusion about your expectations.
Using 'gekkyū' for freelance fees. → 報酬 (hōshū)
Freelancers are paid per project or contract, not a fixed 'gekkyū' like an employee.

Tips

Particle Choice

Use 'ga' with 'agaru' (salary goes up) and 'o' with 'ageru' (to raise salary). This is a common point of confusion for learners.

The 25th is Key

Remember that the 25th is the most common payday. Mentioning 'gekkyū-bi' around this time is a great conversation starter.

Gekkyū vs Jikkyū

Always check if a job is 'gekkyū' or 'jikkyū'. It changes how you calculate your income and your taxes significantly.

Kanji Meaning

Focus on '給' (supply). You'll see it in words like 'kyūshoku' (school lunch) and 'shikyū' (provision). It helps you link the concept of 'being provided for'.

Privacy

Even if you know the word, avoid asking 'Gekkyū wa ikura desu ka?' to new acquaintances. It's quite personal in Japan.

Contract Reading

In contracts, 'gekkyū' might be broken down into 'kihon-kyū' (base) and 'teate' (allowances). Read carefully to see what your real pay is.

Pronunciation

Practice the stop between 'ge' and 'kyū'. The small 'tsu' (っ) in the middle is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'kyū' (給) has the 'silk' radical (糸) on the left. Think of salary as the 'thread' that keeps life together.

Context Clues

If you hear 'gekkyū' followed by 'yasui,' the person is likely complaining about their job's pay.

Word Family

Learn 'gekkyū' alongside 'nenshū' (annual) and 'jikkyū' (hourly) to have a complete set of income-related vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine the **Moon** (月) delivering a **Paycheck** (給) once every cycle. Moon-Pay = Monthly Salary.

Visual Association

Picture a calendar page for a whole month with a large yen symbol on the final day.

Word Web

Work Money Month Bank Rent Bonus Taxes Office

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about what you would do if your 'gekkyū' doubled tomorrow.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two Sino-Japanese (on-yomi) readings. 'Getsu' (月) comes from the Middle Chinese word for moon/month. 'Kyū' (給) originates from the concept of supplying or providing necessities. The combination emerged as Japan modernized its labor system in the late 19th century.

Original meaning: The provision of necessities on a monthly basis.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking people about their 'gekkyū' directly, as it can be seen as intrusive or rude unless you are very close or in a professional HR context.

In English, we often use 'salary' to mean annual pay, whereas 'monthly salary' is a bit more specific. In Japan, 'gekkyū' is the default unit of conversation for pay.

The movie 'Salaryman Kintaro' often deals with issues of pay and corporate life. Many 'Showa' era songs lament the small 'gekkyū' of the working class. Sazae-san, a famous anime, often features scenes revolving around the father's payday.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

希望の月給はありますか？
月給のほかに手当はありますか？
試用期間中の月給はどうなりますか？
月給は経験に応じて決定されます。

Bank/Loan Application

現在の月給を記入してください。
月給を証明する書類が必要です。
月給の3倍までの融資が可能です。
月給からローンが引き落とされます。

Family Budgeting

月給の中でやりくりしよう。
今月の月給は残業代が多いね。
月給日までは節約しなきゃ。
月給が上がったら、引っ越したい。

Office Conversation

月給、いつ入るんだっけ？
ベースアップで月給が上がったよ。
この月給じゃ、やってられないよ。
明日は待ちに待った月給日だ。

News/Economics

実質月給が低下している。
企業の平均月給が公表された。
最低月給の引き上げが議論されている。
中小企業の月給格差が広がっている。

Conversation Starters

"日本の平均的な月給についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the average monthly salary in Japan?)"

"初めての月給で何を買いましたか？ (What did you buy with your first monthly salary?)"

"月給日には何か特別なことをしますか？ (Do you do anything special on payday?)"

"月給と時給、どちらの働き方が好きですか？ (Which way of working do you prefer, monthly salary or hourly wage?)"

"月給を上げるためには、どんなスキルが必要だと思いますか？ (What skills do you think are necessary to increase your monthly salary?)"

Journal Prompts

理想の月給について書いてください。そのお金でどんな生活をしたいですか？ (Write about your ideal monthly salary. What kind of life do you want to lead with that money?)

初めて月給（またはお小遣い）をもらった時の気持ちを思い出して書いてください。 (Recall and write about how you felt when you received your first monthly salary or allowance.)

今の仕事の月給に満足していますか？その理由を詳しく説明してください。 (Are you satisfied with your current job's monthly salary? Explain the reasons in detail.)

月給制のメリットとデメリットについて、自分の考えをまとめてください。 (Summarize your thoughts on the merits and demerits of the monthly salary system.)

月給を増やすために、今年一年で努力したいことは何ですか？ (What do you want to work on this year to increase your monthly salary?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'gekkyū' specifically refers to the monthly pay. Bonuses are called 'shoyū' or 'bōnasu' and are usually separate.

Not usually. 'Gekkyū' often refers to the gross amount (gaku-men) before taxes and insurance are taken out. 'Te-dori' is the actual cash you receive.

If you are paid a fixed amount every month regardless of hours, yes. But most part-time jobs are 'jikkyū' (hourly).

It is usually around 200,000 to 230,000 yen, depending on the industry and education level.

You can say 'Gekkyū o agete itadakemasen ka?' (Could you please raise my monthly salary?)

Yes, in Chinese, 'yuèxīn' (月薪) is used, which uses the same first character (month).

The most common payday is the 25th of the month, followed by the 20th or the end of the month.

It is neutral to semi-formal. 'Kyūyo' is the more official administrative term.

No, it is strictly a noun. You use it with verbs like 'morau' or 'shiharau'.

In a 'gekkyū' system, your pay is usually fixed, but if you run out of paid leave (yūkyū), some companies may deduct from your 'gekkyū'.