Translation guide
The concept of paying for something before receiving it, common in various contexts like rent, services, or online purchases.
Paying in advance for goods or services
The most common and general term for prepayment. Used in everyday situations like paying for a service or product before receiving it.
このサービスは前払いです。
This service requires prepayment.
前払いでお願いします。
Please pay in advance.
Similar to 前払い, but slightly more casual. Often used in contexts like paying before a meal or a small service.
食事は先払いですか？
Is the meal prepaid?
Loanword from English 'prepaid', used for prepaid cards, phones, or digital services.
プリペイドカードを買いました。
I bought a prepaid card.
Paying rent or utility bills in advance, often as a deposit or initial payment
Specifically refers to prepaid rent, often required when moving into a new apartment in Japan.
引っ越しの時に前家賃を払いました。
I paid prepaid rent when I moved in.
A more descriptive term for prepaid rent, less common than 前家賃 but still understood.
前払い家賃はいくらですか？
How much is the prepaid rent?
Paying a sum of money upfront as security or part of a larger payment
A deposit or partial prepayment, often used when ordering custom-made items or reserving services.
注文時に内金をお支払いください。
Please pay a deposit when ordering.
Earnest money or a down payment, commonly used in real estate transactions.
Advance payment, often used in business contexts for partial or full prepayment.
Referring to prepaid services like mobile phones or gift cards
Used to describe prepaid systems, especially for mobile phones or cards.
プリペイド式の携帯電話を使っています。
I use a prepaid mobile phone.
A more Japanese alternative to プリペイド式, meaning prepaid system.
前払い式のカードを購入しました。
I purchased a prepaid card.
Both mean prepayment, but 前払い is more standard and formal. 先払い is often used in casual settings like restaurants or small shops. In business, stick to 前払い.
前払いでお願いします。
Please pay in advance. (formal)
ここは先払いだよ。
You pay upfront here. (casual)
Do not directly translate 'prepayment' as プレペイメント; it is not used in Japanese. Use the terms above depending on context.
不動産の購入には手付金が必要です。
A down payment is required for purchasing real estate.
前金で半額お支払いください。
Please pay half in advance.