〜代(だい)

Suffix attached to a noun to form the word for the bill or fee for that thing. Distinct from 〜料(りょう) (fee, charge) which is more formal and 〜費(ひ) (expense) which typically refers to a category of expenses.

Compounds

• 電気(でんき)代(だい): electricity bill
• ガス代(だい): gas bill
• 水道(すいどう)代(だい): water bill
• 飲(の)み代(だい): drinking tab; bar bill
• タクシー代(だい): taxi fare
• 部屋(へや)代(だい): room charge

Similar words

• 〜料(りょう): fee; charge — more formal; used for fixed institutional fees (授業(じゅぎょう)料(りょう) tuition)
• 〜費(ひ): expense — refers to a category of spending (生活(せいかつ)費(ひ) living expenses)
• 〜賃(ちん): fare; rent — used for transport fares and rent (家(や)賃(ちん) rent)