小銭
kozeni[ko̞ze̞ɲ̟i]
The English phrase "coins" is translated into Japanese as 小銭 (kozeni).
小銭 refers to small-denomination metal money used for minor purchases. It is commonly used when referring to the physical loose change that one carries in a pocket or purse.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 小 (small) and 銭 (money/coin), literally meaning "small change".
How do you pronounce it?
kozeni
Did you know?
- The character 銭 is used in the name of the famous 銭湯 (sentō), which are traditional public bathhouses.
- Historically, the term 銭 refers to the ancient Chinese copper coins with square holes in the middle that were adopted in Japan.
- While 小銭 is the standard term, you might hear the word チャリン (charin) used in onomatopoeia to describe the sound of coins clinking, which is often used to describe the act of receiving change.
Examples in context
- １００円玉か５００円玉しか使えないので私は小銭を探したが見当たらない。It would only take 100 or 500 yen coins, so I search for change but don't find any.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to find change when specific coin denominations are required.Tatoeba #74522 by fcbond, translation #329197 by fcbond
- 私は財布に硬貨を入れました。I put coins in my wallet.
- コインを使って自動販売機でジュースを買いました。I bought a drink from a vending machine using coins.
- かねが足りないから友達に硬貨を借りました。I didn't have enough money, so I borrowed some coins from a friend.
- 小銭を貯めて、自動販売機で飲み物を買いました。kozeni o tamete, jidōhanbaiki de nomimono o kaimashita.I saved up some coins and bought a drink from a vending machine.
- 財布の中に小銭がたくさんあります。saifu no naka ni kozeni ga takusan arimasu.There are many coins in my wallet.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are at a vending machine.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君、小銭を持っていますか？Kenta-kun, kozeni o motte imasu ka?Kenta, do you have any coins?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、今は持っていないよ。Iie, ima wa motte inai yo.No, I don't have any right now.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、電子マネーが使えますね。A, denshi mane- ga tsukayemasu ne.Oh, it looks like electronic money is accepted.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。それなら大丈夫だね。Hontō da. Sore nara daijōbu da ne.You're right. Then we're fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 小銭, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
