If you’ve come across the word kakaku while browsing Japanese websites, shopping online, or learning Japanese, you may be wondering what it means.
The word is especially common in product listings, price comparisons, and e-commerce platforms.
One reason many people search for it is because of the popular Japanese price comparison website Kakaku.com.
Kakaku (価格) is a Japanese word that means “price” or “cost.” It refers to the amount of money charged for a product or service. The word is widely used in shopping, business, and everyday Japanese conversations.
Quick Answer
Kakaku is a Japanese word meaning “price” or “cost.” It refers to how much money a product or service costs.
What Does Kakaku Mean?
The Japanese word 価格 (kakaku) translates directly to:
- Price
- Cost
- Selling price
It is commonly used when talking about:
- Product prices
- Service fees
- Retail costs
- Business pricing
Examples
- “Kono kakaku wa takai.”
- “This price is expensive.”
- “Kakaku ga yasui.”
- “The price is cheap.”
What Does Kakaku Mean in Shopping?
In shopping, kakaku simply refers to the price of an item.
You’ll often see it on:
- Online stores
- Electronics websites
- Supermarkets
- Clothing stores
- Restaurant menus
Example
A product listing may show:
価格：¥5,000
This means:
Price: ¥5,000
What Does Kakaku Mean on Kakaku.com?
Many people first encounter the word through Kakaku.com, one of Japan’s best-known price comparison websites.
On the site, shoppers can:
- Compare product prices.
- Read customer reviews.
- View retailer offers.
- Find discounts.
The website’s name comes directly from the Japanese word kakaku, meaning price.
What Does Kakaku Mean in Texting?
In Japanese text messages, kakaku is usually used when discussing:
- Prices
- Shopping
- Deals
- Discounts
Example
“その商品の価格はいくら？”
(“What is the price of that product?”)
What Does Kakaku Mean in Love and Relationships?
Kakaku has no romantic meaning.
If it appears in conversations about relationships, it usually refers literally to the cost or price of something, such as:
- Gifts
- Travel
- Dinner
- Wedding expenses
What Does Kakaku Mean in Slang?
Kakaku is not slang.
It is a standard Japanese vocabulary word used in both formal and informal settings.
What Does Kakaku Mean on Social Media?
On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and YouTube, kakaku often appears in posts about:
- Japanese shopping
- Product reviews
- Technology
- Electronics
- Travel to Japan
- Price comparisons
Examples include:
- “Best kakaku for this camera.”
- “I found a lower kakaku online.”
In these cases, people are referring to the item’s price.
Does Kakaku Have a Spiritual Meaning?
No.
Kakaku has no spiritual or religious meaning.
It is simply the Japanese word for price.
Does Kakaku Have a Business Meaning?
Yes.
Businesses commonly use kakaku when discussing:
- Product pricing
- Market prices
- Retail prices
- Wholesale prices
- Pricing strategies
It’s one of the most common business terms in Japanese.
Common Japanese Words Related to Kakaku
Here are some useful related words:
| Japanese | English Meaning |
| 価格 (Kakaku) | Price |
| 値段 (Nedan) | Price (more common in everyday conversation) |
| 料金 (Ryōkin) | Fee or charge |
| 割引 (Waribiki) | Discount |
| 費用 (Hiyō) | Expense or cost |
Although these words are related, they are used in slightly different situations.
Examples and Usage
Here are some everyday examples of kakaku.
Shopping
“The kakaku of this laptop is reasonable.”
Business
“The company lowered the kakaku to attract customers.”
Travel
“I compared hotel kakaku before booking.”
Online Shopping
“Kakaku.com helped me find the best price.”
How Context Changes the Meaning of Kakaku
| Context | Meaning |
| Shopping | Product price |
| Business | Pricing or retail cost |
| E-commerce | Selling price |
| Travel | Cost of services |
| Everyday Japanese | Price or amount charged |
In every context, the core meaning remains price or cost.
Similar Words to Kakaku
Here are some English words with similar meanings:
| Word | Meaning |
| Price | Amount charged for something |
| Cost | Amount required to buy or produce something |
| Fee | Payment for a service |
| Charge | Amount requested for goods or services |
| Value | Worth of something |
How to Reply When Someone Says Kakaku
If someone asks about kakaku, you can reply by giving the price.
Example:
Question:
“What’s the kakaku?”
Answer:
“It’s ¥8,000.”
Or:
“The price is $75.”
Common Mistakes About Kakaku
Myth 1
Kakaku is a brand name.
False.
It is a Japanese word meaning price. The website Kakaku.com is named after this word.
Myth 2
Kakaku only refers to expensive items.
False.
It simply means price, whether high or low.
Myth 3
Kakaku is Japanese slang.
False.
It is a standard Japanese dictionary word.
FAQs:
Q1. What does kakaku really mean?
Kakaku (価格) means “price” or “cost” in Japanese.
Q2. Is kakaku positive or negative?
Neither.
It is a neutral word that simply refers to the price of something.
Q3. Is kakaku romantic?
No.
It has no romantic meaning.
Q4. How should someone reply if asked about kakaku?
Simply state the price.
Example:
“The kakaku is ¥2,500.”
Q5. Is kakaku commonly used online?=
Yes. It’s widely used on Japanese shopping websites, price comparison platforms, and e-commerce sites.
Q6. How do you pronounce kakaku?
Kakaku is pronounced:
kah-kah-koo
(IPA: /ka.ka.kɯ/)
Conclusion:
Kakaku is a Japanese word meaning “price” or “cost.” It’s commonly used in shopping, business, and everyday Japanese to describe how much something costs.
if you’re browsing Japanese websites, comparing products, or learning the language, understanding kakaku makes it easier to navigate prices and make informed purchasing decisions.
Now that you understand the meaning of kakaku, you’ll recognize it whenever you see it on Japanese websites, product listings, or in conversations about shopping.
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