銀行口座を開設したいです
ginkō kōza o kaisetsu shitai desu
To say "I want to open a bank account" in Japanese, use 銀行口座を開設したいです (ginkō kōza o kaisetsu shitai desu).
This phrase is a request used when you wish to establish a new account at a bank. In official banking documents or on signage, you may encounter the noun compound 口座開設 (kōza kaisetsu), which means "account opening."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of several parts: 銀行 (ginkō) meaning "bank", 口座 (kōza) meaning "account" and the verb phrase 開設したい (kaisetsu shitai). This verb phrase combines 開設 (kaisetsu), meaning "opening/establishment", with the desiderative form 〜たい (tai), which means "want to".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to express a softer intention, such as "I am thinking of opening a bank account," you can use the formal 銀行口座を開設したいと思っています. Conversely, in a very casual setting, one might say 銀行口座開設したいんだけど、教えてよ！ (I want to open a bank account, so please tell me!).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the particle を (o) to mark the direct object, which in this case is the bank account.
How do you pronounce it?
ginkō kōza o kaisetsu shitai desu
Did you know?
- The word 口座 (kōza), meaning 'account', literally translates to 'the seat of the mouth' or 'the place of the mouth'. This is a linguistic relic from when financial records were read aloud or recorded in specific ledger positions.
- In Japan, your signature is often not enough to open an account. Many banks require a hanko, which is a personal seal carved from wood or stone used as a legal substitute for a signature.
- In Japan, you may find that some bank accounts are restricted by the 'six-month rule'. If you try to open an account at a branch far from your home, the bank may refuse you or freeze the account if you cannot prove a local connection.
Examples in context
- 銀行口座を開設したいです。ginkou kouza o kaisetsu shitai desu.I want to open a bank account.
- 新しく銀行口座を開設したいです。atarashiku ginkou kouza o kaisetsu shitai desu.I want to open a new bank account.
- 給料のために銀行口座を開設したいです。kyuuryou no tame ni ginkou kouza o kaisetsu shitai desu.I want to open a bank account for my salary.
Example conversation
Yui is at the bank counter and Ren is the bank employee.
- 結衣 Yuiすみません、銀行口座を開設したいです。sumimasen, ginkou kouza o kaisetsu shitai desu.Excuse me, I want to open a bank account.
- 蓮 Renかしこまりました。本人確認書類はありますか？kashikomarimashita. honnin kakunin shorui wa arimasu ka?Understood. Do you have identification documents?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、免許証を持っています。hai, menkyoshou o motte imasu.Yes, I have my driver's license.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。では、こちらへどうぞ。arigatou gozaimasu. dewa, kochira e douzo.Thank you. Please, come this way.
