1.
monthly tuition fee; monthly lesson fee
A fixed fee paid each month for lessons, classes, or instruction. Commonly used for private lessons, cram schools, martial arts dojos, and similar learning settings.
ピアノの月謝は一万円だ。
The monthly fee for piano lessons is ten thousand yen.
月謝を払い忘れていた。
I forgot to pay the monthly tuition.
子供の習い事の月謝が家計を圧迫している。
The monthly fees for our children's lessons are straining the household budget.
USAGE:
月謝 specifically refers to fees paid monthly for ongoing instruction. It is not used for one-time payments or university tuition (学費 or 授業料).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 月謝を払う (to pay the monthly fee)
- 月謝を納める (to submit the monthly fee — more formal)
- 月謝が高い (the monthly fee is expensive)
- 月謝袋 (envelope for monthly fees)
WORD FORMATION:
月 (month) + 謝 (gratitude/remuneration). The 謝 carries the sense of payment in appreciation for instruction.