24 Japanese ways to ask “How Much Is This?

When you’re out shopping in Japan or just browsing online, knowing how to ask “How much is this?” can make all the difference. It’s a simple question but can be expressed in so many friendly and polite ways.

Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your Japanese, having a handful of these phrases ready will boost your confidence and help you connect with locals more naturally.

From casual chats with friends to polite conversations with shopkeepers, we’ve got you covered with 24 ways to ask about prices in Japanese.

Each phrase comes with a handy pronunciation guide and a little explanation, so you can use them in the right context without hesitation.

Plus, mixing these up will keep your Japanese fresh and fun! Ready to dive in and learn some practical expressions?

Let’s get started!

Basics to Get You Started

First things first: the core phrase everyone learns is いくらですか？(Ikura desu ka?) – “How much is it?” This is polite, straightforward, and works in nearly every situation.

It’s easy to remember and a great foundation to branch out from as you get more comfortable with Japanese.

Knowing this phrase will open up your shopping experience instantly.

If you want to deepen your understanding, a beginner phrasebook can be a great companion to this phrase.

These basics help you feel ready for real conversations and set the tone for politeness or casualness.

Start practicing “ikura desu ka?” today – it’s the simplest step to sounding natural in Japan.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. いくら？ (Ikura?) – “How much?”

This is the shortest and most casual way to ask “How much?”

Simply say “ikura?” (いくら？) when talking with friends or in relaxed settings. It’s like saying “How much?” in English without any extra words.

Great for street markets or when you want to keep things light.

Just don’t use it in formal shops or with strangers to keep politeness intact.

It pairs well with a friendly smile to soften the tone.

Use “ikura?” when you want to sound natural and approachable in casual situations.

2. これ、いくら？ (Kore, ikura?) – “How much is this?”

Adding “これ” (kore) means “this,” so now you’re specifically asking about the item in your hand.

It’s still casual but more precise than just “ikura?”

This phrase is super handy when you want to make sure you’re clear about the item.

Just remember to keep your tone friendly and polite enough depending on who you’re speaking to.

For example, in a small shop, you might say it with a smile to keep things warm.

Practice this phrase to sound more natural when browsing around.

3. これ、いくらですか？ (Kore, ikura desu ka?) – “How much is this?” (polite)

This is the polite version of “Kore, ikura?” by adding “ですか” (desu ka), which turns it into a respectful question.

Use this in any store or with people you don’t know well.

It’s polite but still easy to remember and say.

Perfect for first-time shopping in Japan or any place where you want to show respect.

“Desu ka” at the end softens the question and makes it more formal.

Keep this phrase in your pocket for polite everyday use.

4. おいくらですか？ (Oikura desu ka?) – “How much is it?” (very polite)

Adding the honorific “お” (o) in front of “ikura” makes the phrase even more polite.

This is great for formal settings or when you’re speaking to someone older or in a professional context.

It shows respect and good manners, which are important in Japanese culture.

Use this phrase in department stores or fancy shops.

It might feel a bit formal for casual use, but it’s always safe.

Try this when you want to impress with polite Japanese!

5. これはお幾らですか？ (Kore wa o-ikura desu ka?) – “How much is this?” (formal)

This phrase is similar to the previous one but adds “は” (wa) as a topic marker for “this.”

It’s polite and formal, perfect for business or upscale shopping.

“お幾ら” (o-ikura) is a more respectful way to say “how much.”

It’s a bit more formal than “おいくらですか.”

Use this to show extra politeness when you want to be very respectful.

Great for mastering polite Japanese in shopping contexts.

6. 値段はいくらですか？ (Nedan wa ikura desu ka?) – “What is the price?”

“値段” (nedan) means “price.” This phrase is a polite way to ask specifically about the price.

It’s useful if you want to sound a bit more formal or clear in your question.

“は” (wa) marks “price” as the topic, and “いくらですか” (ikura desu ka) asks how much.

It’s straightforward and polite without being too formal.

Use it when you want to sound clear and respectful but still casual.

Try mixing this phrase in everyday conversations to sound versatile.

7. これのお値段は？ (Kore no nedan wa?) – “The price of this?” (casual polite)

This phrase uses “のお” (no o) to link “this” and “price,” making it “the price of this.”

It’s a casual yet polite way to ask, dropping the “ですか” for brevity.

Perfect for relaxed stores or secondhand shops.

It’s polite but more conversational.

Good for sounding friendly and interested without being too formal.

Practice using this phrase to sound natural in everyday shopping.

8. これ、値段教えてくれる？ (Kore, nedan oshiete kureru?) – “Can you tell me the price?” (casual)

This is a casual, friendly way to ask for the price by saying “教えてくれる?” (oshiete kureru?), meaning “can you tell me?”

It’s less direct than just “how much?” and sounds more like a request.

Great for chatting with shop staff or when you want a softer question.

Use it with people you feel comfortable with, like in a small shop.

Adding “kureru” implies you’re politely asking for a favor.

It’s a warm, conversational phrase to keep in your toolkit.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. いくらでございますか？ (Ikura de gozaimasu ka?) – “How much is it?” (very formal)

This is the ultra-polite, formal way to ask “how much?” using “ございます” (gozaimasu) instead of “です.”

It’s typically used in very formal situations, like high-end stores or business meetings.

Using this phrase shows top-level respect and professionalism.

It’s less common in everyday speech but great to know for special occasions.

Try to use this if you want to sound extremely polite and refined.

It’s a phrase that impresses by showing your language skill and respect.

10. お値段はいかほどでしょうか？ (Onedan wa ikahodo deshou ka?) – “May I ask how much the price is?”

This phrase is very polite and a little old-fashioned but still used in formal contexts.

“いかほど” (ikahodo) means “how much,” and “でしょうか” (deshou ka) softens the question.

It’s perfect when you want to be very courteous and careful with your words.

Often used in luxury shops or formal negotiations.

It sounds elegant and respectful, impressing with your etiquette.

Try this phrase when you want to take your politeness to the next level.

11. こちらのお値段を教えていただけますか？ (Kochira no onedan wo oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please tell me the price of this?”

This is a polite request using “いただけますか” (itadakemasu ka), which is a respectful way to say “could you please.”

It’s formal and very courteous, often used in customer service settings.

“こちら” (kochira) means “this one here,” making your request clear and polite.

Use it when you want to show gratitude and respect while asking.

Great for department stores or professional environments.

Practice this phrase to sound polished and respectful in formal shopping.

12. 失礼ですが、お値段を教えていただけますか？ (Shitsurei desu ga, onedan wo oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – “Excuse me, could you please tell me the price?”

This phrase starts with “失礼ですが” (shitsurei desu ga) meaning “excuse me” or “pardon me.”

It’s a polite and humble way to begin a question, showing awareness of the social context.

Following it with “could you please tell me the price?” makes your request very respectful.

Perfect for formal or new relationships where you want to avoid appearing rude.

Try this phrase when you want to be extra careful with manners.

It’s a great phrase to build polite rapport with shop staff.

13. お値段をお伺いしてもよろしいでしょうか？ (Onedan wo ukagai shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – “May I inquire about the price?”

This phrase uses “お伺いする” (ukagai suru), a humble verb for “to ask” or “to inquire.”

It’s very polite and humble, suitable for formal business or upscale shopping.

“よろしいでしょうか” (yoroshii deshou ka) is a gentle way to ask for permission.

Use this phrase to show respect and politeness in delicate situations.

It’s a phrase that conveys humility and care.

Perfect for when you want to be impeccable in Japanese etiquette.

14. お値段を確認させていただけますか？ (Onedan wo kakunin sasete itadakemasu ka?) – “May I confirm the price?”

This phrase uses “確認させていただけますか” (kakunin sasete itadakemasu ka), meaning “may I confirm.”

It’s polite and good for double-checking prices before purchase.

Use it in formal settings where clarity is important.

It shows respect while making sure you understand the price correctly.

This phrase is great in business or professional shopping situations.

Practice it to sound thoughtful and careful in your communication.

15. 価格はいかがでしょうか？ (Kakaku wa ikaga deshou ka?) – “How is the price?” (formal inquiry)

“価格” (kakaku) means “price” in a more formal or business context.

“いかがでしょうか” (ikaga deshou ka) is a polite way to ask “how is” or “what about.”

This phrase sounds refined and is often used in formal negotiations or meetings.

It’s perfect when discussing price in a respectful way.

Use it to show professionalism and courtesy.

It’s a versatile phrase for serious shopping or business talks.

16. お値段についてお尋ねしてもよろしいでしょうか？ (Onedan ni tsuite otazune shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – “May I ask about the price?”

This phrase is a very polite way to ask about the price, starting with “お値段について” (about the price).

“お尋ねする” (otazune suru) means “to ask,” and “よろしいでしょうか” (yoroshii deshou ka) adds politeness.

It’s a respectful way to bring up price questions.

Great for formal or semi-formal conversations.

Use it when you want to be careful and polite in your inquiry.

It’s a good all-round phrase for respectful shopping.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. これ、いくらかな？ (Kore, ikura kana?) – “I wonder how much this is?”

This phrase adds “かな” (kana), which means “I wonder” or “maybe.”

It’s casual and often used when talking to yourself or close friends.

It sounds natural and less direct than a straight question.

Use it when you’re curious but not yet ready to ask out loud.

This phrase shows a native-like casual tone.

Try it when practicing informal Japanese expressions.

18. これ、いくらだっけ？ (Kore, ikura dakke?) – “How much was this again?”

“だっけ” (dakke) is a casual way to ask “was it?” or “again?”

This phrase is used when you think you know the price but aren’t sure.

It’s natural for conversations with friends or familiar shopkeepers.

Sounds very relaxed and typical of native speakers.

Use it to add personality to your questions about price.

It’s a handy phrase for casual chats while shopping.

19. いくらするの？ (Ikura suru no?) – “How much does it cost?” (casual)

This phrase uses “する” (suru), meaning “to do,” and “の” (no) as a question marker.

It’s a casual way to ask about the cost of something.

Common among friends or family members.

It’s less polite but very natural in informal speech.

Use it when you want to sound easy-going and relaxed.

Great for casual shopping or chatting about prices.

20. これ、いくらで買える？ (Kore, ikura de kaeru?) – “How much to buy this?” (casual)

“買える” (kaeru) means “can buy,” so this phrase asks “how much to buy this?”

It’s informal and direct, great for bargaining or casual shops.

Sounds like you’re interested but maybe ready to negotiate.

Use it with friends or in markets where haggling is common.

It’s a practical phrase for casual shopping adventures.

Try it to sound more native and confident.

21. これって、いくら？ (Kore tte, ikura?) – “So, how much is this?” (casual)

“って” (tte) is a casual topic marker, like saying “so” or “about.”

This phrase feels informal and conversational.

Perfect when chatting with friends or casual sellers.

It’s a natural way to ask about the price without sounding stiff.

Use it to keep the mood light and friendly.

Great for everyday casual conversations while shopping.

22. これ、いくらかなあ？ (Kore, ikura kanaa?) – “I wonder how much this is?” (very casual)

This is a very casual and soft way to wonder about a price, stretching “かな” to “かなあ.”

It’s common in spoken Japanese when you’re thinking aloud.

Good for conversations with close friends or family.

Use it when you want to sound gentle and thoughtful.

It’s a fun, natural expression to add to your casual vocab.

Try saying it to yourself when browsing or shopping.

23. いくらなの？ (Ikura nano?) – “How much is it?” (casual, questioning)

“なの” (nano) adds a questioning tone to “ikura,” making it casual and conversational.

It’s often used among friends or people you know well.

Sounds curious but not demanding.

Use it for friendly, casual price inquiries.

It’s a good way to soften your question and sound more approachable.

Practice this phrase to sound natural in everyday chats.

24. 値段は？ (Nedan wa?) – “Price?” (very casual)

This is the shortest, most casual way to ask about price, just saying “値段は？” (nedan wa?).

It’s like saying “Price?” in English, very direct and informal.

Use it only with close friends or in very casual situations.

It’s quick and to the point but can seem rude if misused.

Perfect for quick price checks when tone and context are right.

Use it sparingly and always be aware of your audience!

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 ways to ask “How much is this?” in Japanese shows just how rich and nuanced the language can be. Each phrase fits a different situation, level of formality, and relationship.

By practicing them, you not only improve your language skills but also gain insight into Japanese culture and etiquette.

Keep these handy, have fun with them, and watch your confidence grow every time you shop or chat in Japanese!