How to say "fee" in Japanese

• 料りょうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun (suffix), nounA fee, charge, or rate, but it does not stand alone: it normally appears as part of a compound word that names the specific charge, not as an independent noun.
  貴重きちょうな思い出おもいで料りょうとしては安やすいものですよ。↗

  That'll make for a memorable time.
• 料金りょうきんJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word for a fee or charge: the amount you pay for a service or the use of something. It also covers fares, and is usually the word you want for 'fee'.
  料金りょうきんは会計かいけい係かかりへ払はらって下ください。↗

  Pay your dues to the treasurer.
• 礼金れいきんCommon
  nounMoney given as thanks or a reward, not payment for a service; for the ordinary sense of 'fee' it is seldom the word you want. Think of the payment made to a landlord when renting.
• 代金だいきんJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe price, cost, or payment for what you buy — the amount a buyer pays. For a fee charged for a service it is not the usual choice; think 'price' or 'payment'.
  本ほんの代金だいきんを小切手こぎってで払はらってもいいですか。↗

  Can I pay for the book by check?

For the amount charged for a service or transport, 料金 is the default; 料 names charges within compounds; 代金 is a price or payment for goods; 礼金 is thank-you or reward money, not an ordinary fee.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 料りょうfee
• 料金りょうきんfee
• 礼金れいきんmoney (given as thanks)
• 代金だいきんprice
• フィーfee
• お代おだいcharge (for admission, a meal, etc.)
• 賃ちんhire (charge)
• 封土ほうどfeudal estate
• 手数料てすうりょう(handling) fee