精算

せいさん

exact calculation, adjustment

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"精算" (せいさん) refers to the exact calculation or adjustment of payments, expenses, or accounts. It is commonly used in contexts such as settling expenses, adjusting fares, or finalizing financial accounts.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "精算" in business settings when employees settle travel expenses or in transportation when passengers adjust their fare if they traveled beyond the ticketed distance.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 精算する: to settle or adjust payments
  • 精算機: fare adjustment machine (commonly found in train stations)
  • 経費を精算する: to settle expenses

Register and Nuance

"精算" is a formal term often used in business or official contexts. It implies accuracy and completeness in the calculation or settlement process.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "精算" with "計算" (calculation) in general. Remember, "精算" specifically involves settling or adjusting accounts, often with money or expenses, rather than just any calculation.

Example Sentences

しゅっちょうのけいひをせいさんしてください。

Please settle the expenses for the business trip.

でんしゃのきっぷをかいすぎたので、せいさんきでせいさんした。

I bought too many train tickets, so I adjusted the fare at the fare adjustment machine.

きゅうりょうのせいさんはまいつきまつにおこなわれます。

Salary adjustments are made at the end of every month.