Meaning and Usage
"勘定" (かんじょう) primarily means "calculation" or "counting," but it is also commonly used to mean "bill" or "check" in places like restaurants. Additionally, it can mean "consideration" or "taking into account" when discussing opinions or factors.
Common Contexts
- Paying a bill: "勘定をお願いします" is a polite way to ask for the bill in a restaurant.
- Mathematical or financial calculations: "勘定が合わない" means the numbers don't add up.
- Considering factors or opinions: "勘定に入れる" means to take something into consideration.
Collocations and Patterns
- 勘定をする: to calculate or to pay the bill.
- 勘定が合う／合わない: the calculation matches/does not match.
- 勘定に入れる: to take into account or consider.
Register and Usage Notes
"勘定" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts. When used for bills, it is polite but common in everyday conversation. When used for calculations or considerations, it is more formal than casual words like "計算" (けいさん) for calculation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "勘定" with "計算". While both relate to calculation, "勘定" often implies practical or financial calculation and can mean "bill," whereas "計算" is more general mathematical calculation. Use "勘定" when referring to paying money or considering factors.