現金
genkin[ɡẽ̞ŋʲkʲĩɴ]
The Japanese word for cash is 現金 (genkin). If unsure, use 現金. Wiktionary also lists キャッシュ (kyasshu).
Meaning: money in the form of notes/bills and coins (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 現金 | genkin | [ɡẽ̞ŋʲkʲĩɴ] (narrow) |
| キャッシュ | kyasshu | [kʲa̠ɕːɨ] (narrow) |
The term refers to money in the form of bills and coins. You will often see it in specific phrases such as 現金払い to specify that a payment must be made in cash, or 現金のみ on signs in shops and restaurants to indicate that they are cash only.
Which one should you use?
現金 (genkin) is the standard Japanese word for cash. In contrast, キャッシュ (kyasshu) is a loanword from English used more frequently in technical or business contexts, such as when discussing 'cash flow' or 'cash on delivery'.
How do you pronounce it?
genkin
Did you know?
- The katakana word キャッシュ (kyasshu) can also be used in the context of 'cache' in computer science, sharing the same phonetic transcription as the English word for 'cash'.
- In Japan, the phrase お釣り (otsuri), meaning 'change', is an essential part of a cash transaction, and it is considered polite to receive it in both your hands.
- The word 現金 (genkin) is composed of two characters meaning 'present' and 'money', literally translating to 'present money'.
Examples in context
- 現金が要るの。I need some cash.This sentence is useful for expressing the need for cash using 現金.Tatoeba #8667950 by small_snow, translation #1638268 by Spamster
- 現金を盗まれた。Someone stole my cash.This sentence is useful for describing the theft of cash using 現金.Tatoeba #174935 by small_snow, translation #239532 by CK
- 現金が必要だった。I needed cash.This sentence is useful for stating a past requirement for cash using 現金.Tatoeba #12146761 by small_snow, translation #5840389 by CK
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are paying for a meal at a small restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaここは現金のみですか？Koko wa genkin nomi desu ka?Is it cash only here?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、現金でお願いします。Hai, genkin de onegaishimasu.Yes, cash please.
- 健太 Kentaあ、現金を持っていない。A, genkin o motte inai.Oh, I don't have any cash.
- 陽葵 Himari私が代わりに払うよ。Watashi ga kawari ni harau yo.I'll pay for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cash” translations and entries 現金, キャッシュ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries キャッシュ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
