How to Ask 'How Much Is This?' in Japanese and Understand the Answer
Learn to ask the price of an item in Japanese and understand the shopkeeper's reply, including numbers and counters.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you're shopping in Japan, knowing how to ask the price of an item is essential. This lesson teaches you the standard phrase 'Kore wa ikura desu ka' and how to understand the response, which typically includes a number followed by 'en' (yen). You'll also learn to ask for clarification if you don't catch the price, and to use polite language appropriate for stores and markets.
By the end, you can…
- ask 'How much is this?' in Japanese.
- understand a price given in yen.
- ask the shopkeeper to repeat the price.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
これはいくらですか。
How much is this?
Kore wa ikura desu ka.
Standard polite way to ask the price of an item you are pointing at or holding.
それはいくらですか。
How much is that?
Sore wa ikura desu ka.
Use when the item is near the listener, not you.
あれはいくらですか。
How much is that over there?
Are wa ikura desu ka.
Use when the item is far from both you and the listener.
千円です。
It's 1,000 yen.
Sen en desu.
Typical response. The counter for yen is 'en'; 'sen en' is 1,000 yen.
もう一度お願いします。
One more time, please.
Mō ichido onegai shimasu.
Polite way to ask someone to repeat something you didn't catch.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern for asking the price is: [item] wa ikura desu ka. For example, 'Kore wa ikura desu ka' means 'How much is this?' You can replace 'kore' with 'sore' (that near you) or 'are' (that over there). The response often follows the pattern: [number] en desu. For example, 'Go-hyaku en desu' means 'It's 500 yen.' Note that 'wa' is written with the hiragana は, not わ, when it marks the topic.
When to use it
Use 'kore wa ikura desu ka' when you are holding the item or pointing to it close to you. Use 'sore wa ikura desu ka' when the item is closer to the person you're asking. Use 'are wa ikura desu ka' when the item is far from both of you. In shops, it's polite to use 'desu ka' at the end. If you don't understand the price, say 'Sumimasen, mō ichido onegai shimasu' to ask for a repeat. The particle 'o' in 'kore o kudasai' is written with the hiragana を.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、これはいくらですか。
Excuse me, how much is this?Sumimasen, kore wa ikura desu ka.それは千円です。
That is 1,000 yen.Sore wa sen en desu.千円ですか。じゃあ、これをください。
1,000 yen? Then I'll take this, please.Sen en desu ka. Jā, kore o kudasai.ありがとうございます。千円になります。
Thank you. That will be 1,000 yen.Arigatō gozaimasu. Sen en ni narimasu.A little context goes a long way
In Japan, prices are usually fixed in stores, so bargaining is not common. In some markets or tourist areas, you might politely ask for a discount, but it is not expected. Use polite language with shop staff. When asking about a price, pointing at an item is generally acceptable, but avoid pointing at people. Staff often read the total aloud or show a register display, so listening for the number followed by 'en' is useful.
One thing to watch for
Using 'ikura' without 'desu ka' to ask the price, as in 'Kore wa ikura?'
Try this instead: While 'Kore wa ikura?' is understandable, it is casual and can sound abrupt. In most shops, use the polite form 'Kore wa ikura desu ka.' For example, 'Kore wa ikura desu ka' is safer and more appropriate.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'How much is this?' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
これはいくらですか。 (Kore wa ikura desu ka.)
This is the standard polite phrase. You could also say 'Kore wa ikura?' in casual settings, but 'desu ka' makes it polite.
2What does 'Sore wa go-hyaku en desu' mean?
Show a sample answer
That is 500 yen.
'Sore' means 'that' (near the listener), 'go-hyaku en' means '500 yen', and 'desu' makes it polite.
3How would you ask the shopkeeper to repeat the price?
Show a sample answer
すみません、もう一度お願いします。 (Sumimasen, mō ichido onegai shimasu.)
This politely asks for a repetition. You can also say 'Mō ichido onegai shimasu' without 'sumimasen' if you already have their attention.
Use 'Kore wa ikura desu ka' to ask the price politely, and listen for a number followed by 'en' in the response. If you miss it, ask 'Mō ichido onegai shimasu'.
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