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A1 noun #900 most common 13 min read

価格

kakaku Top 900

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 価格 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 価格 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to recognize '価格' (kakaku) as a formal word for 'price'. You will mostly see it on price tags in stores or in very simple textbooks. While you will likely use 'ikura' (how much) or 'nedan' (price) in your own speaking, knowing 'kakaku' helps you read signs. Think of it as the label you see on a shelf. For example, '価格: 100円' means 'Price: 100 yen'. At this stage, just remember that it is a noun and it usually comes before or after a number. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a vocabulary item that means 'the cost of a thing'. It is one of the first kanji-based words you might see in a business context, even if you are just a beginner.

At the A2 level, you should start to understand the difference between 'kakaku' and 'nedan'. You can use 'kakaku' in simple sentences like 'Kono kuruma no kakaku wa takai desu' (The price of this car is high). You might also see it in compound words like 'teika' (fixed price). You should be able to identify 'kakaku' in short reading passages about shopping or news. You are beginning to notice that 'kakaku' is used in more 'official' settings, like when a teacher talks about the economy or when you read a brochure for a language school. It is a good time to practice using the particle 'no' to connect it to other nouns, such as 'ringo no kakaku' (the price of apples).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '価格' (kakaku) appropriately in semi-formal writing and speaking. You should understand its role in business contexts, such as 'kakaku o hikaku suru' (comparing prices). You will encounter it frequently in news articles about inflation or the stock market. You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'kakaku ga joushou suru' (prices rise) and 'kakaku o setteisuru' (to set a price). At this level, you should stop using 'nedan' in professional emails and switch to 'kakaku'. You are also starting to see how 'kakaku' is used in more abstract ways, such as discussing the 'kakaku' of land or oil, rather than just small consumer goods.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '価格' (kakaku) and its related terms. You can discuss 'kakaku senryaku' (pricing strategy) and 'kakaku kyousou' (price competition) with some detail. You understand that 'kakaku' is an objective measure and can use it to analyze market trends. You should be able to read and summarize financial reports that use 'kakaku' in various forms, such as 'shijou kakaku' (market price) or 'oroshiuri kakaku' (wholesale price). Your ability to distinguish 'kakaku' from 'ryoukin' (fees) and 'hiyou' (costs) should be consistent. You can also use the word in the passive voice, like 'kakaku ga suiki sareteiru' (the price is being estimated), to sound more professional.

At the C1 level, '価格' (kakaku) is a tool for sophisticated economic and social analysis. You can use it to discuss complex topics like 'kakaku no kouseisei' (the fairness of prices) or 'kakaku tenka' (passing on costs to consumers). You are comfortable with idiomatic and technical expressions like 'kakaku hakai' (price destruction) and 'kakaku tousei' (price control). You can write persuasive essays or business proposals that argue for specific pricing models. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word and can detect subtle shifts in tone when a speaker chooses 'kakaku' over 'nedan'. You are also familiar with legal terms involving 'kakaku', such as 'futou kakaku' (unfair pricing).

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over '価格' (kakaku) and its place within the broader Japanese linguistic and economic system. You can engage in high-level debates about 'kakaku riron' (price theory) and the 'kakaku mekanizumu' (price mechanism). You understand the philosophical implications of 'kakaku' versus 'kachi' (value) in Japanese thought. You can read dense academic papers, legal statutes, and high-level financial analyses where 'kakaku' is used with extreme precision. You can also use the word creatively or ironically in literature or high-level discourse. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can explain the most subtle nuances of the word to others.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

価格 in 30 Seconds

価格 (kakaku) is the formal Japanese word for 'price' or 'monetary value'.
It is used in business, news, and official labeling rather than casual talk.
It consists of kanji for 'value' (価) and 'standard' (格).
Commonly paired with adjectives like 'high' (takai) and 'low' (yasui).

The Japanese word 価格 (かかく - kakaku) is a formal and precise noun that translates to 'price' or 'value' in English. While English speakers might use the word 'price' in almost any context, Japanese distinguishes between the casual 'nedan' (値段) and the formal 'kakaku' (価格). Understanding this distinction is crucial for moving beyond basic Japanese into professional or academic fluency. The term is composed of two kanji characters: 価 (ka), meaning 'value' or 'worth,' and 格 (kaku), meaning 'status,' 'rank,' or 'standard.' Together, they represent the standardized numerical value assigned to an object or service within a formal economic framework. You will encounter this word primarily in written documents, news reports, business negotiations, and official price tags in high-end department stores. It carries an air of objectivity and systematic calculation, suggesting that the price has been determined by market forces or official policy rather than a simple personal agreement.

Economic Context: In economic discussions, 価格 refers to the equilibrium point between supply and demand. It is the term used for 'market price' (市場価格) and 'wholesale price' (卸売価格).
Business Formality: When presenting a quote to a client or discussing budget allocations in a meeting, 価格 is the professional choice to maintain a serious and respectful tone.
Retail and Labeling: Official price lists, catalogs, and e-commerce product pages almost exclusively use 価格 to denote the cost of items.

この商品の価格は、市場の状況によって変動します。(The price of this product fluctuates depending on market conditions.)

Historically, the concept of a fixed 'kakaku' is tied to the modernization of the Japanese economy during the Meiji Restoration. Before this, prices were often negotiated or based on rice-exchange values. The adoption of 'kakaku' reflects a shift toward a Western-style monetary system where goods have a stable, published value. When you use this word, you are tapping into a legacy of formal commerce. For instance, in a supermarket, you might see '本体価格' (base price) and '税込価格' (price including tax). These terms are technical and precise, ensuring there is no ambiguity for the consumer. Using 'kakaku' in a casual conversation with a friend about the cost of a coffee might sound slightly 'stiff' or overly academic, much like saying 'What is the monetary valuation of this beverage?' instead of 'How much is this coffee?'

不動産の価格が急騰しています。(Real estate prices are skyrocketing.)

Furthermore, 'kakaku' is often paired with verbs like 'settei suru' (to set/establish) or 'iji suru' (to maintain). This highlights its nature as a controlled variable in business strategy. In the context of global trade, 'kakaku kyousou' (price competition) is a frequent topic in Japanese financial newspapers like the Nikkei. The word also appears in compound forms such as 'teika' (fixed price) or 'hikaku' (comparison), though 'kakaku hikaku' specifically refers to comparing prices across different vendors. By mastering 'kakaku', you demonstrate an understanding of Japanese social registers and the ability to navigate professional environments with linguistic precision.

適正な価格で取引を行うことが重要です。(It is important to conduct transactions at a fair price.)

Technical Nuance: Unlike 'nedan', 'kakaku' can be used in abstract scientific or mathematical contexts to describe a value assigned to a variable in a model.

輸出価格の調整が必要です。(Adjustment of export prices is necessary.)

Using 価格 (kakaku) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese sentence structure and the specific verbs that naturally pair with it. Because it is a formal noun, it often functions as the subject or object in complex sentences. The most common pattern is [Noun] + の + 価格, which specifies what the price belongs to. For example, 'kuruma no kakaku' (the price of the car). When describing whether a price is high or low, you use the adjectives 'takai' (high) or 'yasui' (low), just as you would with 'nedan'. However, in formal reports, you might see verbs like 'joushou suru' (to rise) or 'geraku suru' (to fall) instead of simple adjectives.

Subject Marker (が): Used when the price itself is performing an action or being described. '価格が上がった' (The price went up).
Object Marker (を): Used when someone is doing something to the price. '価格を下げる' (To lower the price).
Topic Marker (は): Used when comparing prices or stating a general fact about a price. 'このモデルの価格は高い' (As for the price of this model, it is high).

原材料の騰貴により、製品の価格を改定せざるを得ません。(Due to the rise in raw material costs, we have no choice but to revise the product prices.)

In business Japanese, 'kakaku' is frequently used in the passive voice or with humble/honorific expressions. For instance, '価格が提示されました' (The price was presented/proposed). This shifts the focus from the person setting the price to the price itself, which is a common strategy in Japanese to sound more polite and objective. Another important usage is in compound nouns. You will often see '価格設定' (kakaku settei - pricing/price setting). This is used when discussing the strategy behind how much something costs. '戦略的な価格設定' (strategic pricing) is a phrase you might hear in a marketing department. Similarly, '価格破壊' (kakaku hakai - price destruction) is a dramatic term used to describe a situation where a new competitor enters the market with extremely low prices, 'destroying' the existing price standards.

競合他社の価格を調査しています。(We are investigating the prices of our competitors.)

When discussing discounts, 'kakaku' is used in phrases like '特別価格' (tokubetsu kakaku - special price) or '限定価格' (gentei kakaku - limited-time price). These terms are designed to catch the eye of the consumer in a way that feels more 'official' than a simple 'sale' sign. In academic or legal contexts, you might see '価格の妥当性' (the validity/appropriateness of the price). This level of abstraction is only possible with 'kakaku'. If you were to use 'nedan' here, it would sound jarringly informal. Finally, remember that 'kakaku' is a noun that can be modified by various clauses. '私が納得できる価格' (a price that I can be satisfied with) is a common way to express personal requirements in a formal negotiation.

その土地の価格は、十年で二倍になった。(The price of that land doubled in ten years.)

Common Verbs: 決定する (kettei suru - to decide), 比較する (hikaku suru - to compare), 交渉する (koushou suru - to negotiate).

希望小売価格は、メーカーによって設定されます。(The suggested retail price is set by the manufacturer.)

In Japan, 価格 (kakaku) is ubiquitous in environments where money and value are discussed formally. If you turn on the NHK news in the morning, you will almost certainly hear it during the economic segment. News anchors use it to discuss 'bukka' (commodity prices/cost of living) and how 'kakaku' is being affected by global oil prices or currency fluctuations. In this context, 'kakaku' is a data point, a cold hard number that represents the state of the nation. It is also the standard term used in the 'Stock Market' (株式市場) reports, where 'kabuka' (stock price) is a derivative of the word. Hearing 'kakaku' on the news signals that the information is factual and significant.

Corporate Environment: During B2B (Business to Business) meetings, participants will discuss 'mitsumori kakaku' (quoted price) and 'keiyaku kakaku' (contract price).
Advertising: Commercials for cars, electronics, and insurance often end with a screen displaying the 'kakaku' alongside the company logo.
Real Estate: When looking at apartment listings in a real estate agency window, the large numbers you see are always labeled as 'kakaku'.

ニュース：原油の価格が上昇し、ガソリン代に影響しています。(News: Crude oil prices are rising, affecting gasoline costs.)

Another place you will frequently encounter 'kakaku' is online. Japan's most popular price comparison site is literally called 'Kakaku.com'. This website is a cultural phenomenon in Japan; before buying any electronic device or household appliance, most Japanese consumers will 'Kakaku-com de shiraberu' (check on Kakaku.com). The site provides a list of 'kakaku' from various retailers, along with user reviews. Here, 'kakaku' represents the ultimate goal of the savvy consumer: finding the absolute lowest price in the market. In this digital space, 'kakaku' is synonymous with 'the best deal'.

店員：こちらの価格には、消費税が含まれております。(Clerk: This price includes consumption tax.)

In educational settings, students learn about 'kakaku' in social studies and economics classes. They study the 'kakaku no kinou' (functions of price) and how the 'shijou kakaku' (market price) is determined. Therefore, for a Japanese person, 'kakaku' is a word associated with logic, education, and the adult world of responsibility. It is rarely heard in a playground or a casual izakaya (pub) unless the conversation has turned toward serious topics like house hunting or investment. Even in those cases, the speaker might switch between 'nedan' and 'kakaku' depending on how much they want to emphasize the 'official' nature of the cost. For example, 'The price (nedan) of that beer was high' vs 'The price (kakaku) of that property is stable'.

広告：驚きの価格で新登場！(Advertisement: Debuting at a surprising price!)

Government Reports: The 'Chika Kouji' (Official Land Price Announcement) is a major annual event where the government releases the 'kakaku' of land across Japan.

ウェブサイト：価格比較サイトを利用して、一番安い店を探す。(Use a price comparison site to find the cheapest store.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 価格 (kakaku) is using it in overly casual situations where 'nedan' (値段) would be more appropriate. In English, 'price' is a one-size-fits-all word, but in Japanese, register matters. If you are at a flea market and ask 'Kono kakaku wa ikura desu ka?' (What is this price?), it sounds like you are a government inspector auditing the stall. Instead, you should say 'Kore wa ikura desu ka?' or 'Nedan wa ikura desu ka?'. 'Kakaku' is for the system; 'nedan' is for the transaction. Using 'kakaku' in casual speech can make you sound distant, robotic, or unintentionally arrogant, as if you are treating a simple purchase like a corporate merger.

Mistake: Over-formality: Using 'kakaku' when asking a friend how much they paid for their lunch. Correct: 'Nedan' or just 'Ikura?'.
Mistake: Confusing with 'Kachi' (Value): Thinking 'kakaku' means 'worth' in a sentimental sense. 'Kakaku' is always numerical. For sentimental worth, use 'kachi'.
Mistake: Particle Misuse: Saying 'kakaku o takai' (the price is high). Adjectives like 'takai' take the particle 'ga', not 'o'. Correct: '価格が高い'.

❌ 友達に：その靴の価格はいくら？ (Too formal for a friend)
✅ 友達に：その靴、いくらだった？ (Natural)

Another common error is failing to distinguish 'kakaku' from 'ryoukin' (料金) or 'hiyou' (費用). 'Kakaku' is specifically for the price of a product or a tangible asset. If you are talking about the 'price' of a train ticket, a movie, or a service like electricity, you should use 'ryoukin'. If you are talking about the 'cost' or 'expenses' incurred to do something (like the cost of a wedding), you should use 'hiyou'. Using 'kakaku' for a service fee sounds like you are trying to buy the service provider rather than paying for the service itself. This nuance is subtle but important for sounding like a native speaker.

❌ 電気の価格 (Incorrect for a utility bill)
✅ 電気料金 (Correct)

Finally, learners often struggle with the difference between 'kakaku' and 'daikin' (代金). 'Daikin' refers to the specific amount of money you owe or have paid for a purchase. For example, 'Daikin o harau' (to pay the price/bill). 'Kakaku' is the abstract value of the item, while 'daikin' is the actual money changing hands. You wouldn't say 'kakaku o harau' because you don't 'pay the price-concept,' you pay the 'amount due'. Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid the 'uncanny valley' of Japanese where your grammar is correct but your word choice feels slightly 'off'.

❌ 価格を支払う (I will pay the price-concept)
✅ 代金を支払う (I will pay the amount due)

Contextual Checklist: Is it a product? (Yes -> Kakaku). Is it a service? (Yes -> Ryoukin). Is it a casual conversation? (Yes -> Nedan). Is it the act of paying? (Yes -> Daikin).

❌ この本はとても価格だ。(This book is very price.)
✅ この本の価格はとても高い。(The price of this book is very high.)

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for money and value, and choosing the right word depends entirely on the context. 価格 (kakaku) is just one piece of the puzzle. The most common alternative is 値段 (nedan). While 'kakaku' is formal and objective, 'nedan' is the everyday word used by shoppers, children, and friends. If you are talking about the price of an apple at a grocery store, 'nedan' is the natural choice. It feels more personal and less technical. Another related word is 価値 (kachi), which means 'value' or 'worth'. While 'kakaku' is the number on the tag, 'kachi' is the intrinsic worth of the item. Something can have a low 'kakaku' but a high 'kachi' (like a sentimental gift).

価格 (Kakaku) vs. 値段 (Nedan): Kakaku is for business, economics, and official listings. Nedan is for daily life and casual shopping.
価格 (Kakaku) vs. 料金 (Ryoukin): Kakaku is for goods/products. Ryoukin is for services, utilities, and admission fees.
価格 (Kakaku) vs. 費用 (Hiyou): Kakaku is the price you see. Hiyou is the total cost or expense required to complete a project or activity.

この絵画には、価格以上の価値がある。(This painting has value beyond its price.)

For specific types of prices, Japanese uses specialized terms. 定価 (teika) refers to a 'fixed price' or 'list price' set by a manufacturer, common for books and magazines. 時価 (jika) means 'current market price,' often seen on sushi menus for seasonal fish where the price changes daily. 単価 (tanka) is the 'unit price,' used when buying items in bulk. If you are in a professional setting, using these specific terms instead of a generic 'kakaku' will make you sound much more competent and knowledgeable about the industry.

レストランのメニューに「時価」と書いてある場合は、注文前に確認しましょう。(If 'market price' is written on a restaurant menu, let's check before ordering.)

In the realm of finance, you might encounter 相場 (souba). This refers to the 'market rate' or 'prevailing price' for stocks, currencies, or even things like wedding gifts. It carries the nuance of 'what everyone else is paying right now.' While 'kakaku' is a specific number, 'souba' is the general trend. Understanding 'souba' is key to Japanese social etiquette, as it helps you determine the appropriate 'kakaku' for a gift to avoid embarrassment. Lastly, 代金 (daikin) and 勘定 (kanjou) are used for the act of paying. 'Kanjou' is specifically for the bill at a restaurant. 'Kanjou o onegaishimasu' is the standard way to ask for the check. By diversifying your vocabulary with these terms, you can navigate any financial situation in Japan with confidence.

結婚祝いの相場を調べてから、包む金額を決めました。(I decided on the amount to give after researching the market rate for wedding gifts.)

Summary Table: 価格 (Formal Price), 値段 (Casual Price), 料金 (Service Fee), 費用 (Project Cost), 価値 (Intrinsic Value), 相場 (Market Trend).

このサービスは、料金体系が非常に分かりやすい。(The fee structure of this service is very easy to understand.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '格' is the same one used in 'grammar' (bunpou no kaku) and 'karate' (the 'te' is hand, but 'kaku' is sometimes associated with form/style in other martial arts contexts). It implies a structured standard.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑːkɑːkuː/

US /kɑkɑku/

Pitch accent: Heiban (Flat). It starts low and stays high: ka-KAKU.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are common but require N4 level knowledge to read reliably.

Writing 3/5

The kanji '価' and '格' have several strokes and require practice.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is simple and consistent.

Listening 1/5

Easy to distinguish in news and store announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

お金 (Money) 高い (High/Expensive) 安い (Low/Cheap) 買う (To buy) 店 (Store)

Learn Next

価値 (Value) 物価 (Cost of living) 経済 (Economy) 消費税 (Consumption tax) 予算 (Budget)

Advanced

インフレ (Inflation) デフレ (Deflation) 為替 (Exchange rate) 株式 (Stocks) 均衡価格 (Equilibrium price)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + 価格

チケットの価格 (The price of the ticket)

価格 + が + Adjective

価格が高い (The price is high)

価格 + を + Verb

価格を調べる (Check the price)

価格 + に + Verb

価格に含まれる (Included in the price)

価格 + によって

価格によって質が違う (Quality differs depending on the price)

Examples by Level

このカメラの価格はいくらですか？

How much is the price of this camera?

Uses [Noun] + の + 価格 to specify the item.

価格は百円です。

The price is 100 yen.

A basic A is B sentence structure.

安い価格ですね。

It's a cheap price, isn't it?

Adjective 'yasui' modifying the noun 'kakaku'.

価格を見てください。

Please look at the price.

Imperative form 'mite kudasai' with object 'kakaku'.

これは特別価格です。

This is a special price.

Compound noun 'tokubetsu kakaku'.

価格が高いです。

The price is high.

Subject 'kakaku' followed by adjective 'takai'.

メニューに価格があります。

There are prices on the menu.

Existence verb 'arimasu' with location 'menu ni'.

価格を知りたいです。

I want to know the price.

Desire form 'shiritai' with object 'kakaku'.

この店の価格はいつも安いです。

The prices at this store are always cheap.

Adverb 'itsumo' (always) modifying the adjective.

新しいスマホの価格を調べました。

I checked the price of the new smartphone.

Past tense verb 'shirabemashita'.

価格が少し上がりましたね。

The price went up a little, didn't it?

Intransitive verb 'agaru' (to go up).

どちらの価格が安いですか？

Which price is cheaper?

Comparison structure 'dochira'.

価格には税金が含まれています。

Tax is included in the price.

Passive-like meaning with 'fukumarete imasu'.

もっと安い価格の鞄はありますか？

Are there any bags with a cheaper price?

Relative clause 'yasui kakaku no' modifying 'kaban'.

この価格は今日だけです。

This price is only for today.

Time limiter 'kyou dake'.

価格を比較してから買います。

I will buy it after comparing the prices.

Te-form 'hikaku shite' indicating sequence.

ガソリンの価格が急激に上昇している。

The price of gasoline is rising rapidly.

Adverb 'kyuugeki ni' (rapidly) with 'joushou shite iru'.

会社は製品の価格設定を見直した。

The company revised the pricing of its products.

Compound noun 'kakaku settei' (pricing).

市場価格に合わせて、値段を調整する。

Adjust the price according to the market price.

Grammar pattern 'ni awasete' (according to).

輸出価格の変動が利益に影響する。

Fluctuations in export prices affect profits.

Subject 'hendou' (fluctuation) and verb 'eikyou suru'.

このサイトで最安価格を見つけることができる。

You can find the lowest price on this site.

Potential form 'mitsukeru koto ga dekiru'.

不動産の価格は場所によって大きく異なる。

Real estate prices vary greatly depending on the location.

Grammar pattern 'ni yotte' (depending on).

価格交渉の結果、値引きに成功した。

As a result of price negotiations, we succeeded in getting a discount.

Compound noun 'kakaku koushou' (negotiation).

希望小売価格は、あくまで目安です。

The suggested retail price is just a guide.

Adverb 'akumade' (strictly/just).

原材料費の高騰が、販売価格に転嫁されている。

The soaring cost of raw materials is being passed on to the sales price.

Passive form 'tenka sarete iru' (is being passed on).

価格競争が激化し、利益率が低下している。

Price competition is intensifying, and profit margins are declining.

Verbs 'gekika suru' (intensify) and 'teika suru' (decline).

政府は公共料金の価格を安定させる方針だ。

The government plans to stabilize the prices of public utilities.

Noun 'houshin' (policy/plan).

ブランドの価値を維持するため、安易な価格破壊は避けるべきだ。

To maintain brand value, easy price destruction should be avoided.

Auxiliary verb 'beki da' (should).

需要と供給のバランスが価格を決定する要因となる。

The balance of supply and demand becomes a factor in determining prices.

Noun 'youin' (factor).

その土地の適正価格を算出するのは難しい。

It is difficult to calculate the fair price of that land.

Verb 'sanshutsu suru' (to calculate).

価格の妥当性について、詳細な説明が求められる。

A detailed explanation is required regarding the validity of the price.

Passive form 'motomerareru' (is required).

卸売価格と小売価格の間には大きな差がある。

There is a big difference between the wholesale price and the retail price.

Structure 'A to B no aida ni wa'.

独占禁止法により、不当な価格カルテルは禁じられている。

Unfair price cartels are prohibited by the Antimonopoly Act.

Passive form 'kinjirarete iru'.

資産価格のバブル崩壊は、経済に深刻な打撃を与えた。

The bursting of the asset price bubble dealt a serious blow to the economy.

Compound noun 'shisan kakaku' (asset price).

為替レートの変動が、輸入価格にダイレクトに反映される。

Fluctuations in exchange rates are directly reflected in import prices.

Adverb 'dairekuto ni' and passive 'han'ei sareru'.

価格の弾力性が低い製品は、値上げしても需要が減りにくい。

Products with low price elasticity are unlikely to see a decrease in demand even if prices are raised.

Technical term 'kakaku no danryokusei' (price elasticity).

企業は、心理的価格設定を利用して消費者の購買意欲をそそる。

Companies use psychological pricing to entice consumers' desire to buy.

Verb 'sosoru' (to entice/arouse).

固定価格買取制度により、再生可能エネルギーの普及が進んだ。

The Feed-in Tariff (fixed-price purchase) system promoted the spread of renewable energy.

Noun 'seido' (system/institution).

価格の透明性を高めることが、市場の健全な発展に不可欠だ。

Increasing price transparency is essential for the healthy development of the market.

Adjective 'fukaketsu' (essential).

二重価格表示は、景品表示法に抵触する可能性がある。

Double price labeling may violate the Premiums and Representations Act.

Verb 'teishoku suru' (to conflict with/violate).

ヘッジファンドの投機的行動が、商品価格の乱高下を招いている。

Speculative actions by hedge funds are causing wild fluctuations in commodity prices.

Noun 'rankouge' (wild fluctuations).

価格メカニズムを通じた資源の最適配分が、経済学の根幹である。

The optimal allocation of resources through the price mechanism is the core of economics.

Noun 'konkan' (root/core).

デフレ・スパイラルに陥ると、価格の下落がさらなる景気後退を招く。

Falling into a deflationary spiral, price drops lead to further economic recession.

Noun 'keiki koutai' (recession).

移転価格税制への対応は、多国籍企業にとって喫緊の課題だ。

Responding to transfer pricing taxation is an urgent issue for multinational corporations.

Technical term 'iten kakaku zeisei' (transfer pricing taxation).

価格の硬直性は、市場がショックに対して柔軟に反応できない原因となる。

Price rigidity prevents the market from responding flexibly to shocks.

Noun 'kouchokusei' (rigidity).

限界費用価格形成原理に基づき、公共サービスの料金が設定される。

Public service fees are set based on the marginal cost pricing principle.

Academic phrase 'genkai hiyou kakaku keisei genri'.

価格受容者としての小規模農家は、国際価格の変動に翻弄されている。

Small-scale farmers, as price takers, are at the mercy of international price fluctuations.

Verb 'honrou sareru' (to be toyed with/at the mercy of).

実効価格の算定には、リベートや割引を考慮に入れる必要がある。

Calculating the effective price requires taking rebates and discounts into account.

Phrase 'kouryo ni ireru' (to take into consideration).

Synonyms

値段代金代価物価定価

Antonyms

価値無償

Common Collocations

価格が上がる

価格を下げる

価格を比較する

市場価格

価格設定

適正価格

価格交渉

販売価格

価格破壊

税込価格

Common Phrases

本体価格

— The base price of an item before tax is added.

本体価格は9,800円です。

希望小売価格

— The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

希望小売価格より安く売る。

オープン価格

— Open pricing, where the retailer sets the price instead of the manufacturer.

このカメラはオープン価格です。

卸売価格

— The price charged by a wholesaler to a retailer.

卸売価格で仕入れる。

消費者価格

— The price paid by the end consumer.

消費者価格指数をチェックする。

特別価格

— A discounted or promotional price.

期間限定の特別価格です。

据え置き価格

— A price that remains unchanged despite economic shifts.

価格は据え置きとします。

実売価格

— The actual price at which a product is sold in stores.

実売価格はもっと安いです。

国際価格

— The price of a commodity on the international market.

金銀の国際価格を調べる。

一律価格

— A flat or uniform price for all items.

全品一律価格で提供する。

Often Confused With

価格 vs 価値 (Kachi)

Kachi is the 'worth' or 'value' (how good it is), while Kakaku is the 'price' (how much it costs).

価格 vs 値段 (Nedan)

Nedan is for daily life and casual talk; Kakaku is for official business and data.

価格 vs 料金 (Ryoukin)

Ryoukin is for services (trains, electricity); Kakaku is for physical products.

Idioms & Expressions

"価格に糸目をつけない"

— To not care about the price; to spend money regardless of cost.

彼は趣味の収集には価格に糸目をつけない。

Literary / Formal

"価格が跳ね上がる"

— For a price to suddenly jump or spike.

災害の後、野菜の価格が跳ね上がった。

Journalistic

"価格が底を打つ"

— For a price to reach its lowest point (hit rock bottom).

株価がようやく底を打ったようだ。

Financial

"価格を叩く"

— To drive a hard bargain; to force someone to lower their price significantly.

下請け業者の価格を叩くのは良くない。

Business / Informal

"価格がこなれる"

— For a price to become more reasonable or stable after an initial high period.

新製品も半年経てば価格がこなれてくる。

Colloquial Business

"価格を吊り上げる"

— To artificially inflate or hike up prices.

転売屋がチケットの価格を吊り上げている。

Journalistic

"価格に見合う"

— To be worth the price; to be commensurate with the cost.

この料理は価格に見合う美味しさだ。

Neutral

"価格が暴落する"

— For a price to crash or plummet suddenly.

仮想通貨の価格が暴落した。

Financial

"価格が乱高下する"

— For a price to fluctuate wildly up and down.

原油価格が乱高下している。

Financial

"価格を据え置く"

— To keep the price the same (freeze the price).

増税後も、弊社は価格を据え置きます。

Formal Business

Easily Confused

価格 vs 代金 (Daikin)

Both relate to the cost of an item.

Kakaku is the price listed on the tag. Daikin is the actual money you pay at the register.

価格は100円だが、代金は税込みで110円だ。

価格 vs 費用 (Hiyou)

Both mean 'cost' in English.

Kakaku is the price of a single item. Hiyou is the total expense of a project or trip.

結婚式の費用は高いが、ドレスの価格は手頃だ。

価格 vs 物価 (Bukka)

Both contain the 'price' kanji.

Kakaku is the price of one specific thing. Bukka is the general level of prices in the whole economy.

物価が上がると、すべての商品の価格が上がる。

価格 vs 定価 (Teika)

Both refer to price.

Kakaku is a general term. Teika is the specific 'fixed price' set by the manufacturer.

定価より安い価格で買った。

価格 vs 時価 (Jika)

Both refer to price.

Jika is the price right now, which might change tomorrow (like for fish or stocks).

この寿司は時価なので、価格が決まっていない。

Sentence Patterns

価格は [Number] 円です。

価格は五百円です。

[Noun] の価格は高いです。

この時計の価格は高いです。

価格を比較して [Verb]。

価格を比較して決めます。

価格が [Adverb] 変動する。

価格が大幅に変動する。

価格の [Noun] が求められる。

価格の妥当性が求められる。

価格メカニズムが [Verb]。

価格メカニズムが機能している。

価格設定を [Verb]。

価格設定を見直す。

価格に [Noun] が含まれる。

価格に税金が含まれる。

Word Family

Nouns

価値 (Value)

評価 (Evaluation)

定価 (Fixed Price)

原価 (Cost Price)

物価 (Cost of Living)

Verbs

価格を決める (Decide the price)

価格を改定する (Revise the price)

価格を維持する (Maintain the price)

Adjectives

高価な (Expensive/High-priced)

安価な (Inexpensive/Low-priced)

適正な (Appropriate/Fair)

金額 (Amount of money)

費用 (Expenses)

料金 (Fees)

相場 (Market rate)

勘定 (Bill/Check)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in media, business, and retail labeling.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kakaku' for service fees. → Use 'ryoukin' (料金).
Kakaku is for products; ryoukin is for services like electricity or tuition.
Using 'kakaku' in casual talk with friends. → Use 'nedan' (値段) or 'ikura'.
Kakaku sounds too stiff and robotic in a casual conversation about lunch or clothes.
Saying 'kakaku o takai'. → Say 'kakaku ga takai'.
Adjectives like 'takai' (high) describe the subject, so they take the 'ga' particle.
Confusing 'kakaku' with 'kachi'. → Use 'kachi' for sentimental or intrinsic value.
Kakaku is only the numerical price. Kachi is how much something is 'worth' to you.
Saying 'kakaku o harau'. → Say 'daikin o harau'.
You pay the 'amount' (daikin), not the 'price-concept' (kakaku).

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use 'ga' with 'takai' or 'yasui' when 'kakaku' is the subject. 'Kakaku ga takai' is correct. Avoid using 'o' unless you are changing the price.

Business Etiquette

In a business email, never use 'nedan'. Using 'kakaku' shows that you are treating the transaction with the appropriate level of seriousness.

Kanji Recognition

Look for the 'person' radical on the left of '価'. It represents the value humans assign to things. The '格' has a 'tree' radical, suggesting a standard or structure.

News Keywords

When you hear 'kakaku' on the news, listen for 'joushou' (rise) or 'geraku' (fall). These are the most common verbs used with it in a journalistic context.

Compound Power

Learning 'kakaku' unlocks many other words. 'Teika' (fixed price), 'Bukka' (cost of living), and 'Tanka' (unit price) all use the same 'ka' kanji.

Real Estate

In real estate, 'kakaku' is the purchase price, while 'chinryou' or 'yachin' is the rental price. Don't mix them up when looking at listings.

Tax Inclusion

In Japan, prices are often shown as '本体価格' (base) + '税' (tax). Always look for the '税込価格' (total) to know what you'll actually pay.

Pricing Strategy

If you study marketing in Japanese, 'kakaku settei' (pricing) is a core concept. It involves analyzing 'kyougou' (competitors) and 'shijou' (market).

Sound Association

The 'ka' sound in 'kakaku' is like the 'ca' in 'cash' or 'calculate'. This can help you remember it's about money and numbers.

Formal Documents

When filling out a form that asks for the 'price' of an item you're selling, the field will almost always be labeled '価格'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Car' (Ka) and another 'Car' (Ka) in a 'Queue' (Ku). You are checking the PRICE of the cars in the queue.

Visual Association

Imagine a formal black price tag with gold lettering. This is a 'kakaku' tag, not a messy handwritten 'nedan' tag.

Word Web

Money Business Economy Shopping Value Tax Market Contract

Challenge

Try to find the word '価格' on three different Japanese shopping websites today.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese. The word entered Japanese during the period of heavy linguistic borrowing from China.

Original meaning: The rank or status (格) of a value (価).

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'kakaku' when talking about personal gifts or favors; it makes the relationship feel transactional.

English speakers often use 'price' for everything. In Japanese, using 'kakaku' for a $2 coffee sounds weirdly formal.

Kakaku.com (The most famous price comparison site in Japan). Economic news segments on NHK. The 'Chika Kouji' annual land price announcement.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At an Electronics Store

表示価格 (Displayed price)
最安価格 (Lowest price)
価格交渉できますか？ (Can we negotiate the price?)
税込価格ですか？ (Is it the tax-included price?)

Business Meeting

価格設定の根拠 (Basis for pricing)
競合の価格 (Competitor prices)
価格を改定する (To revise the price)
契約価格 (Contract price)

Reading the News

原油価格 (Crude oil price)
物価の上昇 (Rise in cost of living)
価格の安定 (Price stability)
卸売価格指数 (Wholesale price index)

Real Estate

販売価格 (Selling price)
坪単価 (Price per tsubo/unit area)
価格の推移 (Price trends)
査定価格 (Appraised price)

Online Shopping

価格の安い順 (Order by lowest price)
送料無料の価格 (Price for free shipping)
会員限定価格 (Member-only price)
価格ドットコム (Kakaku.com)

Conversation Starters

"最近、野菜の価格が上がっていませんか？ (Haven't vegetable prices been going up lately?)"

"新しいiPhoneの価格についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the price of the new iPhone?)"

"価格を比較する時、どのサイトを使いますか？ (Which site do you use when comparing prices?)"

"このエリアの家賃の価格相場を知っていますか？ (Do you know the market rate for rent prices in this area?)"

"価格よりも品質を重視しますか？ (Do you value quality over price?)"

Journal Prompts

今日買った物の中で、一番価格が高い物は何でしたか？ (What was the most expensive thing you bought today?)

将来、価格が上がってほしくない物は何ですか？ (What is something you don't want the price to rise for in the future?)

「価格」と「価値」の違いについて、自分の考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the difference between 'price' and 'value'.)

もし自分がお店を開くなら、どのように価格設定をしますか？ (If you were to open a shop, how would you set the prices?)

最近の物価上昇について、あなたの生活にどのような影響がありますか？ (How has the recent rise in prices affected your life?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can, but it sounds a bit stiff. It's better to use 'ikura' (how much) or 'nedan' (price). You will see '価格' written on the labels, though.

No, for services like haircuts, massages, or lessons, 'ryoukin' (fee) is the correct term. 'Kakaku' is for physical goods.

'Kakaku' is the price of an item. 'Kingaku' is just a general 'amount of money'. For example, 'The price (kakaku) is 100 yen, so the total amount (kingaku) for two is 200 yen.'

It allows users to compare 'kakaku' from hundreds of stores instantly, ensuring they get the best deal. It's the gold standard for price research in Japan.

You could say 'Tekisetsu na kakaku desu' (It is an appropriate price) or 'Nedan ga choudo ii' (The price is just right).

Yes, but usually as part of the word 'kabuka' (stock price). However, 'kakaku' is used when discussing the price of commodities like gold or oil.

Usually, rent is 'yachin'. However, if you are talking about the 'price' of buying the apartment, you use 'kakaku'.

It literally means 'price destruction'. It refers to a company offering prices so low that it forces the entire industry to lower its standards.

Yes, it is much more formal than 'nedan'. It is the standard term for business, news, and official documents.

You could say 'Kakaku koushou wa kanou desu ka?' (Is price negotiation possible?), which sounds very professional.