How to say "reckoning" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 計算けいさんJLPT N3approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'reckoning' in the neutral sense of calculation or counting numbers. This is the ordinary word you want when reckoning simply means working something out arithmetically.
    旅行りょこうの総そう費用ひようを計算けいさんしてくれますか。↗
    Can you work out the total cost of the trip?
  • 会計かいけいJLPT N3approx.Common
    no-adjective, suru verbCovers 'reckoning' only in the financial sense of accounting or settling an account, such as paying a bill. For other senses of 'reckoning' this is not the word to reach for.
    会計かいけい係かかりは会計かいけいが不足ふそくしているのがわかった。↗
    The treasurer was short in his accounts.
  • 勘定かんじょうJLPT N3approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'reckoning' as calculation, counting, or squaring accounts. It overlaps with 計算 for arithmetic and also fits the sense of reckoning up what is owed.
  • そろばんJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounCovers 'reckoning' as a calculation of profit and loss, evoking the abacus. Usually written in kana alone, it suits figurative talk of weighing gains and losses rather than plain arithmetic.

For arithmetic use 計算 or 勘定, for a bill or financial accounting use 会計, and for settling of accounts especially profit and loss use 「そろばん」 or 勘定.

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

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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