駄賃

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 駄賃 is read as だちん and is a noun for a small payment or reward given for an errand or minor piece of work.
• Basic usage: Use 駄賃として受け取る for payment received as compensation and 駄賃に菓子をもらう for a noncash reward.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 給料
  • 給料 is regular pay in employment; 駄賃 is an occasional reward for a specific errand or small service.
• Not necessarily cash
  • The reward may be coins, but it can also be a small item such as a snack.