v2.0

🈶🈶 EmojiUnicode: 1F236

Indicates paid services or fees.

Released in The 🈶 emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010 as part of the Enclosed Ideographic Supplement block, originating from Japanese signage to denote non-free items or services.

not freepaidchargeJapanese symbolfee requiredkokoservice costpayment needednon-freecommercial

Meaning and Interpretation

The 🈶 emoji is a Japanese symbol that literally means 'not free of charge.' It is derived from the katakana character 'ko' enclosed in a square, often used in signage to indicate that something requires payment. This emoji is commonly employed in digital communication to signify that services, events, products, or experiences come with a cost, helping users understand there is no complimentary access. In its cultural context, it stems from Japanese business and public notices, emphasizing transparency about fees to avoid misunderstandings.

Symbolism

Represents the need for payment in transactions, highlighting commercial aspects.
Symbolizes the contrast to free offerings, reminding users of economic value.
Indicates exclusivity or premium status, where access is gated by cost.

Common Usage Scenarios

Warning about paid content in online forums or social media posts.
Discussing event tickets or services that require fees in messaging apps.
Indicating in-app purchases or subscription models in app reviews or recommendations.

Usage Examples in Conversation

Hey, that new app is super useful but it's 🈶, so you'll need to pay a small fee to unlock all features.

The museum exhibit sounds amazing, but remember it's 🈶 – tickets start at $10.

I love this online course, though it's 🈶 and requires a monthly subscription to access the full content.

Don't forget, the restaurant we like has a cover charge, so it's 🈶 even for just drinks.

That game is fun at first, but it quickly becomes 🈶 with all the in-app purchases they push.

Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

Use 🈶 only in contexts where payment is explicitly involved to avoid confusion with free options.
Pair it with clear text explanations, especially for non-Japanese audiences who may not recognize it immediately.
Avoid overusing it in casual conversations to prevent diluting its meaning or making messages seem overly formal.