現金ですか、カードですか
genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka
The phrase "cash or card" in Japanese is 現金ですか、カードですか (genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka).
This phrase is a question asked by a cashier to find out how a customer wants to pay for their purchase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite and professional tone, service staff may use お支払いは、現金ですか、カードですか, which translates to "As for the payment, is it cash or card?"
How does it change in a sentence?
When responding to this question, a natural way to state your choice is to use the method followed by the particle で (de), which means "by" or "using". You can say 現金で (genkin de) for "by cash" or カードで (kādo de) for "by card".
How do you pronounce it?
genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka
Did you know?
- When paying with cash, it is common custom to place your money on a small tray called a トレー (torē) rather than handing it directly to the cashier. This maintains a respectful physical distance between the customer and the staff.
- Japan has a unique system of 電子マネー 'electronic money' such as Suica or Pasmo, which are often treated as a third category distinct from both 現金 'cash' and カード 'card'.
- In many Japanese convenience stores, you might be asked a different question entirely: ポイントカードはありますか (pointo kādo wa arimasu ka). This refers to a loyalty card rather than a credit card, which can confuse travelers.
Examples in context
- 「カードでお願いします。」I would like to pay with a card.
- 現金ですか、カードですか。Genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka.Cash or card?
- お支払いは、現金ですか、カードですか。O-shiharai wa, genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka.For your payment, is it cash or card?
Example conversation
Yui is checking out at a small convenience store.
- 蓮 Renお会計は、現金ですか、カードですか。O-kaikei wa, genkin desu ka, kādo desu ka.For the bill, is it cash or card?
- 結衣 Yuiカードでお願いします。Kādo de onegaishimasu.Card, please.
- 蓮 Renかしこまりました。Kashikomarimashita.Understood.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you.
