値上げ in 30 Seconds
- 値上げ (neage) is the Japanese word for 'price hike' or 'price increase,' commonly used in business and daily life.
- It is a transitive noun/verb, meaning it refers to the deliberate action of raising prices by a person or company.
- Common reasons for neage include rising raw material costs, logistics expenses, and currency fluctuations like the weak yen.
- It is the opposite of 値下げ (nesage - price cut) and distinct from 値上がり (neagari - the state of prices rising).
The term 値上げ (ねあげ, neage) is a fundamental Japanese noun that describes the act of increasing the price or cost of a product, service, or utility. It is a compound word formed from ne (値, meaning price or value) and age (上げ, the stem of the verb ageru, meaning to raise or lift). In the context of the Japanese economy, this word is ubiquitous, appearing in news headlines, supermarket aisles, and utility bills. It specifically refers to the intentional action taken by a seller, manufacturer, or service provider to adjust their pricing upwards. Unlike its intransitive counterpart neagari (which refers to the state of prices rising naturally in the market), neage implies a decision or a formal announcement.
- Grammatical Category
- Noun (often used with 'suru' to form a transitive verb).
- Core Components
- 値 (Price) + 上げ (Raising).
- Social Nuance
- Often associated with 'bitter' news for consumers but 'necessary' news for businesses facing rising material costs.
「来月から電気料金が値上げされることになりました。」
(It has been decided that electricity rates will be increased starting next month.)
Understanding 値上げ requires looking at the broader economic landscape of Japan. For decades, Japan experienced deflation, where prices remained stagnant or even dropped. However, in recent years, global supply chain issues and currency fluctuations have made neage a daily topic of conversation. When a company announces a neage, they often provide a justification, such as the rising cost of raw materials (原料高, genryō-daka) or logistics (物流費, butsuryū-hi). This word is essential for anyone living in Japan, as it directly impacts budgeting and financial planning.
In formal settings, you might hear the term kakaku kaitei (価格改定 - price revision), which is a more polite or neutral way to say prices are changing (usually upwards). However, in everyday speech and news, neage is the standard term. It is direct and clear. For learners, mastering this word involves not just the definition, but the ability to recognize it in various forms: as a noun (値上げ), as a verb (値上げする), and in its passive form (値上げされる), which is very common when discussing how consumers are affected by these changes.
Using 値上げ correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive action. Because it represents a deliberate act of raising prices, it is frequently paired with the verb suru (to do). For example, Kigyo ga neage suru (The company raises prices). If you are the one affected by the increase, you use the passive form: Neage sareru (Prices are raised [on me]).
- Common Verb Pairings
- 値上げに踏み切る (To take the plunge and raise prices), 値上げを検討する (To consider a price hike).
- Time Expressions
- 相次ぐ値上げ (Successive price hikes), 記録的な値上げ (Record-breaking price increases).
「原材料の高騰により、商品の値上げを余儀なくされました。」
(Due to the soaring cost of raw materials, we were forced to raise the price of our products.)
In a business context, neage is often used in negotiations. A supplier might say, Neage no onegai (A request for a price increase). This is a very sensitive topic in Japanese business culture, requiring careful explanation and often a formal apology. The word is also used in compound nouns like neage-haba (the margin/amount of the price increase) and neage-rasshu (a 'rush' or wave of price increases across different sectors).
When talking about your personal life, you might say, Saikin, nani mo kamo neage de taihen desu ne (Recently, everything is going up in price, so it's tough, isn't it?). This is a very common 'icebreaker' or small talk topic in Japan today. Whether you are at the checkout counter or talking to a neighbor, neage is a word that resonates with everyone's daily reality.
You will encounter 値上げ in several specific environments. The most common is the evening news. News anchors frequently report on shokuhin no neage (food price hikes) or gasu-dai no neage (gas bill increases). These reports often include charts showing the rising cost of living. In supermarkets, you might see small notices near products like milk, bread, or eggs that say Kikaku henko oyobi neage no oshirase (Notice of specification changes and price increases).
- Media Context
- Economic segments, inflation reports, and consumer advice shows.
- Retail Context
- Shelf labels, posters at the entrance, and official company websites.
「マクドナルドが一部商品の値上げを発表しました。」
(McDonald's announced a price hike for some of its products.)
Another common place is in official correspondence. If you have a gym membership, a streaming subscription, or a mobile phone plan, you may receive an email with the subject line Ryokin neage no go-annai (Information regarding a fee increase). These emails usually explain the reasons—such as improved service quality or increased operational costs—and provide the new pricing table.
Finally, you will hear it in casual conversations. Friends might complain about the neage of their favorite snacks or the cost of eating out. Phrases like Mata neage? (Another price hike?) are common reactions to news about inflation. Understanding the word in these various contexts helps you grasp the social temperature of Japan regarding the economy.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 値上げ is confusing it with 値上がり (neagari). While they both relate to prices going up, their grammatical functions are different. Neage is the action of raising the price (transitive). You use it when a person or company decides to make something more expensive. Neagari is the phenomenon of the price rising (intransitive). For example, 'The price of gold rose' would use neagari, whereas 'The baker raised the price of bread' would use neage.
- Confusion with 'Takai'
- Learners often say 'Takaku naru' (becomes expensive). While correct, 'Neage' is more specific to the act of a price hike.
- Particle Usage
- Use 'を' with '値上げする' (to raise [something]) and 'が' with '値上がりする' ([something] rises).
❌ 「ガソリンが値上げしました。」
(Gasoline prices went up - use neagari for the phenomenon.)
✅ 「ガソリンが値上がりしました。」
Another mistake is using neage for things that aren't prices, like temperatures or grades. For those, you would use jōshō (上昇) or agaru (上がる). Neage is strictly for monetary value. Additionally, some learners use neage when they mean chin-age (賃上げ - wage increase). While both involve 'raising' something, neage is usually bad for the consumer, while chin-age is good for the worker!
Lastly, be careful with the level of formality. In a very formal business proposal, neage might sound a bit too blunt. Using kakaku no kaitei (price revision) or tekiseika (optimization/making it appropriate) is often preferred to soften the blow. However, for general communication, neage is perfectly acceptable and widely understood.
There are several words related to 値上げ that you should know to broaden your vocabulary. The most direct synonym is 価格引き上げ (kakaku hikiage), which is a slightly more formal way to say 'price hike.' Another is 値増し (nemashi), though this is rarer and often refers to an extra charge or premium rather than a general price increase.
- 価格改定 (Kakaku Kaitei)
- Price revision. A neutral term that can mean an increase or decrease, but usually implies an increase.
- 高騰 (Kōtō)
- Soaring/Surging. Used when prices rise sharply and suddenly, like 'oil prices soaring.'
- インフレ (Infure)
- Inflation. The general economic trend of rising prices and falling purchasing power.
「電気代の高騰が家計を圧迫している。」
(The soaring cost of electricity is putting pressure on household budgets.)
On the opposite side, you have 値下げ (ne-sage), which is the act of lowering prices—the word every consumer loves to hear! There is also 値下がり (ne-sagari), the intransitive version where prices drop. In the labor market, you will hear 賃上げ (chin-age), which refers to raising wages. Interestingly, in Japan, neage and chin-age are often discussed together in the news, as the government hopes that price increases will be offset by wage increases to maintain the economy.
Finally, for specific types of price increases, you might hear un-chin age (raising fares for transport) or kyuryo up (salary up). Knowing these distinctions allows you to be more precise in your Japanese. While neage is a great 'catch-all' for price hikes, using kōtō for a sudden spike in gas prices makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Passive voice (〜される)
Causative-passive (〜させられる)
Reasons with 〜により / 〜のため
Noun compounds
Transitive vs Intransitive verbs
Examples by Level
パンが値上げしました。
The bread price went up.
Simple noun + shimashita.
来月から値上げです。
It's a price hike from next month.
Time + neage desu.
値上げは嫌です。
I don't like price hikes.
Subject + wa + iya desu.
牛乳の値上げ。
Price hike of milk.
Noun + no + neage.
また値上げですか？
Another price hike?
Mata (again) + question.
コーヒーの値上げを知っていますか？
Do you know about the coffee price hike?
Object + o + shitte imasu ka?
10円の値上げです。
It is a 10 yen price increase.
Amount + no + neage.
値上げで困ります。
I'm in trouble because of the price hike.
Neage + de (reason) + komarimasu.
多くの店が値上げをしています。
Many stores are raising prices.
O + shite imasu (ongoing action).
ガス代が値上げされました。
Gas bills were increased.
Passive voice: sareru.
値上げの前に買いたいです。
I want to buy it before the price hike.
Neage no mae ni (before).
最近、値上げが多いですね。
There are many price hikes lately, aren't there?
Adverb + neage ga ooi.
このお菓子も値上げですか？
Is this snack also getting a price hike?
Mo (also) + neage.
電気料金の値上げが発表されました。
An increase in electricity rates was announced.
Happyo sareru (was announced).
値上げの理由は何ですか？
What is the reason for the price hike?
Neage no riyuu (reason).
値上げしない店を探しています。
I am looking for a shop that doesn't raise prices.
Negative verb: neage shinai.
原材料が高くなったので、値上げは避けられません。
Since raw materials became expensive, a price hike is unavoidable.
Sakerarenai (unavoidable).
政府は企業に値上げを控えるよう要請した。
The government requested companies to refrain from raising prices.
Hikaeru you yousei suru.
値上げ幅は平均で5%程度になる見込みです。
The margin of the price increase is expected to be around 5% on average.
Neage-haba (increase margin).
相次ぐ値上げに、消費者は敏感になっています。
Consumers are becoming sensitive to successive price hikes.
Aitsugu (successive).
そのメーカーは、品質を維持するために値上げに踏み切った。
The manufacturer took the plunge and raised prices to maintain quality.
Neage ni fumikiru.
値上げのお知らせがメールで届きました。
A notice of a price hike arrived by email.
Oshirase (notice).
鉄道各社が運賃の値上げを検討している。
Various railway companies are considering fare increases.
Kento shite iru (considering).
値上げ分を賃金アップで補ってほしい。
I want the price hike portion to be covered by a wage increase.
Oginatte hoshii (want to compensate).
コスト削減の努力をしたが、結局値上げせざるを得なかった。
We made efforts to cut costs, but in the end, we had no choice but to raise prices.
Sezaru o enai (have no choice but to).
値上げによる客離れを最小限に抑えたい。
We want to minimize the loss of customers due to the price hike.
Kyaku-banare (customers leaving).
今回の値上げは、円安の影響が非常に大きい。
The impact of the weak yen is very significant in this price hike.
En-yasu no eikyo (impact of weak yen).
競合他社が値上げをしない中、自社だけ上げるのはリスクがある。
There is a risk in raising prices only for our company while competitors do not.
Kyogo tasha (competitors).
値上げの時期を慎重に見極める必要がある。
It is necessary to carefully determine the timing of the price hike.
Mikiwameru (to determine/judge).
消費税の増税に伴い、多くのサービスが値上げされた。
With the consumption tax increase, many services were raised in price.
Tomonai (accompanying).
ステルス値上げは、消費者の不信感を招く恐れがある。
Shrinkflation (stealth price hikes) risks inviting consumer distrust.
Osore ga aru (there is a risk).
値上げに対する理解を求めるため、丁寧な説明を行う。
To seek understanding for the price hike, we will provide a thorough explanation.
Rikai o motomeru (seek understanding).
インフレ圧力が強まる中、企業は価格転嫁としての値上げを加速させている。
Amid strengthening inflationary pressures, companies are accelerating price hikes as a means of passing on costs.
Kakaku tenka (passing on costs).
値上げの浸透により、実質賃金が低下し続けている。
Due to the spread of price hikes, real wages continue to decline.
Shinto (spread/penetration).
デフレ脱却を目指す政府にとって、適度な値上げは歓迎すべき側面もある。
For the government aiming to escape deflation, moderate price hikes have some welcome aspects.
Defure dakkyaku (escaping deflation).
サプライチェーンの混乱が、世界的な値上げラッシュの引き金となった。
Disruptions in the supply chain triggered a global rush of price increases.
Hikigane to naru (to trigger).
ブランドイメージを損なうことなく値上げを断行する戦略が求められる。
A strategy to decisively carry out a price hike without damaging the brand image is required.
Danko suru (to carry out decisively).
消費者の節約志向が強まり、値上げ後の需要予測が困難になっている。
As consumers' inclination to save strengthens, demand forecasting after a price hike has become difficult.
Setsuyaku shikou (saving inclination).
エネルギー価格の変動が、あらゆる産業における値上げの要因となっている。
Fluctuations in energy prices are a factor in price hikes across all industries.
Youin (factor/cause).
値上げを容認せざるを得ない社会情勢が形成されつつある。
A social climate that forces the acceptance of price hikes is beginning to form.
Yonin (acceptance/tolerance).
マクロ経済的視点から見れば、値上げは賃金上昇との好循環を生む鍵となる。
From a macroeconomic perspective, price hikes are the key to creating a virtuous cycle with wage increases.
Kou-junkan (virtuous cycle).
執拗なデフレマインドが、企業の価格設定権と値上げへの意欲を削いできた。
A persistent deflationary mindset has eroded companies' pricing power and motivation for price hikes.
Kakaku setteiken (pricing power).
値上げの是非を巡る議論は、単なる経済問題を超え、社会正義の文脈でも語られる。
The debate over the pros and cons of price hikes goes beyond mere economic issues and is also discussed in the context of social justice.
Zehi o meguru (concerning the pros and cons).
グローバルなインフレ環境下で、日本独自の「値上げの作法」が問われている。
Under a global inflationary environment, Japan's unique 'etiquette of price hikes' is being questioned.
Saho (etiquette/manner).
値上げによる収益改善が、イノベーションへの投資に回るかどうかが焦点だ。
The focus is on whether profit improvements from price hikes will be directed toward investment in innovation.
Shoten (focus/point).
過度な値上げはスタグフレーションを招き、経済を壊滅的な状況に追い込みかねない。
Excessive price hikes could lead to stagflation and push the economy into a catastrophic situation.
Oikomi-kanenai (might push into).
値上げに対する消費者の受容性は、所得層によって顕著な差が見られる。
Consumer receptivity to price hikes shows marked differences depending on income bracket.
Juyousei (receptivity/acceptability).
企業の社会的責任として、不透明な値上げを排し、透明性の高い情報公開が不可欠である。
As a corporate social responsibility, it is essential to eliminate opaque price hikes and ensure highly transparent information disclosure.
Toumeisei (transparency).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Neagari is the phenomenon (intransitive); Neage is the action (transitive).
Chin-age is for wages; Neage is for prices.
Joushou is general rising (temp, grades); Neage is specific to money.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Neage is direct; Kakaku Kaitei is professional.
Using neage for wages (use chin-age instead).
- Using 'neage' for the price of stocks (use 'neagari' or 'joushou').
- Saying 'neage ga takai' (should be 'neage-haba ga ookii').
- Confusing 'neage' with 'nesage' (raising vs lowering).
- Forgetting the 'suru' when using it as a verb.
- Using 'neage' for a person's height (use 'se ga nobiru').
Tips
Kanji Focus
Focus on the '値' kanji, which also appears in 'value' (kachi) and 'price' (nedan).
Verb Forms
Practice 'neage suru' for companies and 'neage sareru' for how it affects you.
Social Context
Note that 'neage' is a sensitive topic in Japan; use it carefully in business.
News Keywords
Listen for 'aitsugu' (successive) often paired with 'neage' in news reports.
Small Talk
Complaining about 'neage' is a safe and common way to start a conversation.
Formal Writing
In emails to customers, always provide a reason before mentioning the 'neage'.
Store Signs
Look for '価格改定' on store posters; it almost always means a 'neage' is coming.
Up Arrow
Visualize the '上' in 'neage' as an arrow pointing up at a price tag.
Don't Mix Up
Remember: 'Chin-age' is for your wallet getting fatter; 'Neage' is for it getting thinner.
Inflation
Think of 'neage' as the individual action that leads to 'infure' (inflation).
Memorize It
Word Origin
Native Japanese compound word (Kun-yomi).
Cultural Context
Known as 'Stealth Neage' in Japan.
Companies often issue formal apologies for raising prices.
Price hikes often happen at the start of the fiscal year (April) or half-year (October).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近の値上げラッシュ、どう思いますか？"
"卵が値上げして困っています。"
"あなたの国でも値上げが続いていますか？"
"値上げの前に何か買いだめしましたか？"
"どの商品の値上げが一番ショックでしたか？"
Journal Prompts
Write about how recent price hikes have changed your shopping habits.
Describe a time you were surprised by a sudden price increase.
If you were a business owner, how would you announce a price hike?
Compare the cost of living now to two years ago using 'neage'.
Discuss the pros and cons of 'stealth neage' (shrinkflation).
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNeage is when someone raises the price (transitive). Neagari is when the price goes up on its own (intransitive).
For consumers, yes. For businesses, it might be necessary to survive rising costs.
You can use '価格改定' (kakaku kaitei) or '価格の引き上げ' (kakaku no hikiage).
It's when the price stays the same but the size of the product gets smaller.
No, use '賃上げ' (chin-age) or '昇給' (shoukyuu) for salary increases.
Rising raw material costs, high energy prices, and weak currency.
Add 'suru' to make '値上げする' (to raise prices).
Yes, it is one of the most common economic terms in Japanese news today.
The opposite is '値下げ' (nesage), which means price cut.
Yes, it applies to both physical goods and services like haircuts or gym fees.
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Summary
値上げ is an essential term for navigating the Japanese economy, representing the intentional act of raising prices. Mastering its use with 'suru' and distinguishing it from 'neagari' is crucial for clear communication about costs.
- 値上げ (neage) is the Japanese word for 'price hike' or 'price increase,' commonly used in business and daily life.
- It is a transitive noun/verb, meaning it refers to the deliberate action of raising prices by a person or company.
- Common reasons for neage include rising raw material costs, logistics expenses, and currency fluctuations like the weak yen.
- It is the opposite of 値下げ (nesage - price cut) and distinct from 値上がり (neagari - the state of prices rising).
Kanji Focus
Focus on the '値' kanji, which also appears in 'value' (kachi) and 'price' (nedan).
Verb Forms
Practice 'neage suru' for companies and 'neage sareru' for how it affects you.
Social Context
Note that 'neage' is a sensitive topic in Japan; use it carefully in business.
News Keywords
Listen for 'aitsugu' (successive) often paired with 'neage' in news reports.
Example
来月値上げします。
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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.
定価
A1The fixed or list price of an item as determined by the manufacturer or retailer. It represents the official price before any discounts, taxes, or negotiations are applied.
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.
