ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu)
The English phrase "atm" can be said in Japanese as ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu). If unsure, use ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu). Wiktionary also lists 現金自動預払機 (genkin jidō azukebaraiki) and 自動窓口機 (jidō madoguchiki).
Meaning: (banking) automated teller machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu) | ||
| 現金自動預払機 | genkin jidō azukebaraiki | [ɡẽ̞ŋʲkʲiɲ̟ d͡ʑido̞ː a̠zɨke̞ba̠ɾa̠ikʲi] (narrow) |
| 自動窓口機 | jidō madoguchiki | |
| 自動現金預払機 | yoharai-ki | [d͡ʑido̞ː ɡẽ̞ŋʲkʲiɰ̃ a̠zɨke̞ba̠ɾa̠ikʲi] (narrow) |
| エーティーエム | ē-tī-emu |
This term refers to an automated teller machine used for banking transactions.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term 現金自動預払機 literally breaks down into 現金 (cash), 自動 (automatic) and 預払機 (deposit/withdrawal machine).
Which one should you use?
ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu) and its katakana version エーティーエム are common. The term 自動預け払い機 specifically means "automatic deposit and withdrawal machine."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, locals might refer to ATMs as 現金おろし機, which means "cash withdrawal machine".
Did you know?
- Many Japanese ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu) machines feature a physical 'coin' slot that allows users to deposit loose change, a feature rarely found in English-speaking countries.
- Depending on the time of day or day of the week, Japanese ＡＴＭ (ē-tī-emu) machines may charge a 'time-based fee' regardless of which bank the user belongs to.
- The word 預け (azuke) in the formal name comes from the same linguistic root as 'azukeru', which means to entrust or leave something in someone's care.
Examples in context
- すみません、ATMはどこですか？Excuse me, where is the ATM?
- お金をおろすためにATMを使いたいです。I would like to use the ATM to withdraw money.
- 近くにATMはありますか？Are there any ATMs nearby?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atm” translations and entries 現金自動預払機, 自動現金預払機, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
