両替する
ryōgae suru
The Japanese phrase for "change money" is 両替する (ryōgae suru).
両替する is used to describe the act of exchanging one currency for another. The noun 両替 (ryōgae) is also used more broadly to refer to both exchanging different types of currency, such as USD to JPY and exchanging large bills for smaller denominations.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 両替 (ryōgae) literally means "currency exchange" or "changing money."
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you have already exchanged money, use the past tense form 両替した. To make a polite request to exchange money, use 両替してください.
How do you pronounce it?
ryōgae suru
Did you know?
- While you can use 両替 to mean exchanging large bills for small ones, a Japanese clerk might also use the term 崩す (kuzusu), which literally means 'to crumble' or 'to break' something into pieces.
- The character 両 (ryō) refers to a gold coin used during the Edo period, which served as the primary unit of currency before the yen was introduced in 1871.
- The word 両替屋 (ryōgaeya) refers to a money changer, a profession that was highly influential and politically powerful during the Tokugawa shogunate.
Examples in context
- すみません、お金をお両替したいのですが。Excuse me, I would like to change money.
- 英国ポンドを換金したいのですが。I would like to change British pounds.
- 空港で円をドルに両替する。Kūkō de en o doru ni ryōgae suru.I will exchange yen for dollars at the airport.
Example conversation
Two people are planning a trip abroad.
- 結衣 Yui旅行の前に、どこで両替する？Ryokō no mae ni, doko de ryōgae suru?Where will we exchange money before the trip?
- 陽太 Yota銀行で両替するのが一番確実だよ。Ginkō de ryōgae suru no ga ichiban kakujitsu dayo.Exchanging money at a bank is the most reliable way.
- 結衣 Yui陽太君、教えてくれてありがとう。Yōta-kun, oshiete kurete arigatō.Thank you for telling me, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaいえいえ、準備をしっかりしようね。Iie iie, junbi o shikkari shiyō ne.No problem, let's prepare thoroughly.
