俸給

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 俸給 is read as ほうきゅう and is a formal, somewhat old-fashioned noun for regular pay received in return for official duties.
• Basic usage: Use 毎月の俸給 for an individual's monthly pay and 職員の俸給 for employees' pay as a recorded category.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 給料
  • 給料 is usual in modern conversation; 俸給 fits official, institutional, or historical contexts.
• Payment and ledger entry
  • It can refer to money actually received or to the compensation entry recorded in a ledger.