Quick answer
費 is the kanji for "Cost". The most common reading is つい.やす (tsuiyasu). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Cost
Also : Spend · Expense · Waste · Consume
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 費 represents 'EXPENSE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of expense.
On-reading: ひ — remember this sound by associating it with expense. Kun-reading: つい.やす.
Example Sentences
費用が予算を超えました。
ひようがよさんをこえました。
Costs exceeded the budget.
生活費を節約しています。
せいかつひをせつやくしています。
I'm saving on living expenses.
Vocabulary using 費
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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