月賦

げっぷ

monthly installment

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"月賦" (げっぷ) refers to a payment method where the total cost is divided into monthly installments. It is commonly used for purchasing expensive items like cars, electronics, or furniture.

Common Contexts

You will often see "月賦" in contracts or payment plans, especially in formal or business settings. It implies a commitment to pay a fixed amount every month until the total price is covered.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 月賦で買う: to buy something on monthly installments
  • 月賦の支払い: monthly installment payment
  • 月賦契約: installment contract

Usage Notes

"月賦" is a formal term and often appears in written contracts or advertisements. It is less common in casual conversation, where people might say "分割払い" (ぶんかつばらい) or "ローン" (loan). Learners should not confuse "月賦" with "げっぷ" meaning "burp" (the bodily function), which is a homophone but different in kanji and meaning.

Example Sentences

このくるまはげっぷでかいました。

I bought this car on a monthly installment plan.

げっぷのしはらいはまいつきとおかにおこなわれます。

Monthly installment payments are made on the 10th of every month.

げっぷけいやくをむすぶまえに、りそくやてすうりょうをよくかくにんしましょう。

Before signing a monthly installment contract, make sure to check the interest and fees carefully.