Translation and Meaning of: 給料 - kyuuryou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you must have come across the word 給料[きゅうりょう]. It is essential in everyday vocabulary, especially for those who work or study the Japanese language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical use, and even cultural curiosities that make this word so relevant. Whether for creating flashcards on Anki or better understanding the salary context in Japan, you will leave here with useful knowledge.

Meaning and Translation of 給料

給料[きゅうりょう] is a Japanese word that means "salary" or "remuneration." It refers to the amount paid regularly to an employee in exchange for their work, usually on a monthly basis. Unlike 給与[きゅうよ], which may include additional benefits, 給料 is typically used for the base payment.

In English, the most common translation is "salary," while in Portuguese we can use "salário" or "ordenado." The word frequently appears in employment contracts, pay slips, and conversations about personal finance in Japan. If you are looking for a job there, it's a term you will hear quite often.

Origin and Composition of Kanjis

The word 給料 is composed of two kanji: 給 (kyuu), which means "to provide" or "to grant," and 料 (ryou), which refers to "fee" or "cost." Together, they convey the idea of "value provided" as compensation for work. This construction is common in related to payments in Japanese.

Interestingly, the kanji 料 also appears in words like 料理[りょうり] (cuisine) and 材料[ざいりょう] (material), but in 給料 its meaning is directly related to costs or monetary values. This duality is one of the fascinating aspects of studying kanjis.

Cultural Uses and Context in Japan

In Japan, openly discussing 給料 is still a taboo in many social circles. Unlike in some Western countries, where talking about salary is more common, the Japanese tend to avoid this topic in casual conversations. This behavior reflects cultural values of discretion and social harmony.

On the other hand, the word is widely used in formal contexts, such as in companies and official documents. Knowing when and how to mention 給料 is important for those who intend to work in Japan or with Japanese people. In job interviews, for example, asking about the salary right away can be considered impolite.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to memorize 給料 is to associate it with real-life situations. If you work or have ever received a salary, think about it while studying the word. Creating flashcards with sentences like "今月の給料はいつですか？" (When is this month's salary?) also helps to reinforce the vocabulary.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanji 料, which appears in various words related to money and costs. This connection can serve as a mental anchor to the meaning of 給料 when you encounter it in texts or conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 給与 (Kyūryō) - Payment or remuneration in more general , often used in the context of permanent jobs.
• 賃金 (Chingin) - Salary or payment, generally related to temporary or hourly work.
• サラリー (Sararii) - Salary, often used to refer to a fixed monthly payment, especially in more informal or Western contexts.