When traveling or living in Japan, it’s essential to know how to communicate your payment preference. Whether you prefer cash or card, understanding the appropriate Japanese phrases will help you navigate various situations smoothly. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “cash” or “card” in Japanese. While regional variations exist, we will focus on widely-used terms applicable across Japan.
Table of Contents
Formal Phrases:
When you find yourself in formal settings such as stores, hotels, or formal gatherings, using polite language is essential. Here are the recommended phrases for these situations:
1. How to Say “Cash” (Formal):
When using cash, you can use the formal Japanese word “genkin.” This term is widely understood and appropriate to use in most formal situations. Additionally, you can use the phrase “okane de” which literally means “with money.”
Example 1: 「現金でお願いします。」 (Genkin de onegaishimasu.) – I would like to pay with cash.
Example 2: 「お金でお支払いいたします。」(Okane de oshiharai itashimasu.) – I will pay with money/cash.
2. How to Say “Card” (Formal):
When you want to use a credit card or any form of electronic payment, the recommended formal term is “kaado.” This term is widely used and easily understood throughout Japan.
Example 1: 「カードでお願いします。」 (Kaado de onegaishimasu.) – I would like to pay with a card.
Example 2: 「クレジットカードをお使いします。」(Kurejitto kaado o otsukai shimasu.) – I will use a credit card.
Informal Phrases:
In casual settings or interactions with friends and acquaintances, a more relaxed and informal language is appropriate. Here are the phrases you can use:
1. How to Say “Cash” (Informal):
When using cash in a casual setting, you can use the term “genkin” just like in formal situations. However, you can also use the less formal term “koudashi” which means “cash” or “hard cash.”
Example 1: 「現金で払うよ。」(Genkin de harau yo.) – I’m going to pay with cash.
Example 2: 「硬貨で支払う。」(Koudashi de shiharau.) – I’ll pay with hard cash.
2. How to Say “Card” (Informal):
For informal situations, using the term “kaado” from formal language is still appropriate. However, you can also use the more casual term “kureka” which is an abbreviation of “credit card.”
Example 1: 「カードで払うわ。」(Kaado de harau wa.) – I’m going to pay with a card.
Example 2: 「クレカでお願いします。」(Kureka de onegaishimasu.) – Please, with my credit card.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to enhance your understanding and effective usage of these phrases:
1. Non-Specific Term:
If you are happy to pay with either cash or card and have no specific preference, you can use the phrase “omochi kaeshi.” It conveys the idea of settling the payment in any appropriate way.
2. Paying with Transportation IC Cards:
In Japan, transportation IC cards like Suica or Pasmo are commonly used for various payments. When paying with these cards, you can simply say “Suica de” or “Pasmo de” followed by the verb for payment, such as “harau” (to pay).
3. Regional Variations:
While the phrases mentioned above are widely used across Japan, it’s worth noting that minor regional variations may exist. However, you can confidently rely on the suggested phrases, as they are widely understood and accepted throughout the country.
Conclusion:
In summary, knowing how to say “cash” or “card” in Japanese is essential for smooth communication in various situations. By using the formal phrases “genkin” for cash and “kaado” for card, you can confidently navigate formal environments. In casual settings, the less formal options “koudashi” and “kureka” are appropriate. Remember to adapt your language based on the formality of the situation, and you’ll be able to express your payment preference effectively in Japanese. Enjoy your experiences in Japan, whether paying with cash or card!
