1.
basic fee; base charge; basic rate
A fixed fee charged as the minimum or starting amount for a service, before any additional usage charges are added.
A practical compound frequently encountered in daily life in Japan, especially when dealing with utilities, taxis, phone plans, and other services. Composed of 基本 (basic, fundamental) and 料金 (fee, charge).
Common collocations
- 基本料金が含まれる: the basic fee is included
- 基本料金無料: no basic fee
- 基本料金+従量制: basic fee plus usage-based pricing
- 基本料金の見直し: review of the basic rate
Similar words
- 初乗り料金: initial fare (taxis) — the starting fare for the first distance
- 定額料金: flat-rate fee — a fixed fee regardless of usage
- 手数料: handling fee / commission — a fee for processing or service
Cultural note
In Japan, utility bills (電気・ガス・水道) and mobile phone plans commonly have a 基本料金 component. Recent deregulation of the electricity market has led to more competition on basic rates.