Translation guide
The English word "inexpensive" means low in price, affordable, or cheap without necessarily implying poor quality. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is 安い (やすい), but there are other expressions depending on nuance, formality, and context.
Describe something that costs little money, is reasonably priced, or is a good value.
The most common and direct translation for 'inexpensive' or 'cheap'. Can be used for goods, services, and living costs. Note that 安い can sometimes imply low quality if context suggests it, but it is generally neutral.
Emphasize that something is worth the money, economical, or a smart purchase.
Short for 'cost performance', meaning 'good value for money' or 'cost-effective'. Extremely common in casual conversation and reviews. It focuses on the balance of price and quality/quantity.
このスマホはコスパがいいからおすすめです。
This smartphone is inexpensive for what it offers, so I recommend it.
The English word 'cheap' can mean 'inexpensive' or 'of low quality'. In Japanese, 安い is neutral for price, but 安っぽい (やすっぽい) specifically means 'cheap-looking' or 'shoddy'. Do not use 安っぽい to mean 'inexpensive' unless you intend the negative connotation.
この服は安っぽく見える。
These clothes look cheap (low quality).
安い is the most direct and neutral. お手頃 is slightly more polite and positive, often used in service contexts. リーズナブル is a casual loanword that feels modern and implies good value. Use 安い for everyday statements, お手頃 when recommending something politely, and リーズナブル in casual conversation or reviews.
この店は安くて質の良い商品を売っている。
This store sells inexpensive but high-quality products.
安くて質が良い explicitly contrasts low price with high quality.
この店のランチは安くて美味しい。
The lunch at this restaurant is inexpensive and delicious.
東京に比べて家賃が安い。
Rent is inexpensive compared to Tokyo.
Means 'reasonably priced' or 'affordable'. Often used in marketing or when recommending something as a good deal. It has a positive nuance, suggesting good value for money.
お手頃な価格のホテルを探しています。
I'm looking for an inexpensive hotel.
Loanword from English 'reasonable'. Commonly used in Japanese to mean 'reasonably priced' or 'affordable', especially in advertising and casual conversation. It implies a good balance between price and quality.
このカフェは値段がリーズナブルでよく来ます。
This café is inexpensive, so I come here often.
Means 'bargain-priced' or 'very cheap'. Often used for tickets, travel deals, and special offers. Stronger than 安い, emphasizing an exceptionally low price.
格安航空券をネットで予約した。
I booked an inexpensive flight ticket online.
A formal or literary term for 'low-priced' or 'inexpensive'. Often seen in written contexts like product descriptions or economic reports. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.
廉価版のソフトウェアが発売された。
An inexpensive version of the software was released.
Means 'a good deal' or 'economical'. Often used for sales, set meals, or bulk purchases. It implies you are getting more than what you pay for.
このセットは単品で買うよりお得です。
This set is more inexpensive than buying items separately.
Means 'economical' or 'cost-saving'. Often used for long-term savings, energy efficiency, or budget-friendly choices. Slightly more formal than お得.
この車は燃費が良くて経済的だ。
This car is fuel-efficient and inexpensive to run.