両替
ryōgae[ɾʲo̞ːɡa̠e̞]
The English phrase "money change" is translated into Japanese as 両替 (ryōgae).
The term 両替 refers to the act of exchanging one currency for another, such as swapping USD for JPY or the act of breaking a large bill into smaller denominations.
How does it change in a sentence?
While 両替 is a noun, you can turn it into a verb meaning "to exchange money" by adding the verb する (to do) to create 両替する. Additionally, you can add the suffix 機 (machine) to the word to form 両替機, which means a money changer or an exchange machine.
How do you pronounce it?
ryōgae
Did you know?
- In the Edo period, professional money changers called 両替商 (ryōgaeshō) acted as the precursors to modern banks by providing loans and managing deposits.
- While 両替機 (exchange machines) are common in airports, you will find them in almost every Japanese arcade and laundry mat to convert bills into coins for machines.
- When asking for 両替 at a bank, you may be asked for identification even for small amounts due to strict Japanese anti-money laundering laws.
Examples in context
- 空港で両替をしました。Kūkō de ryōgae o shimashita.I exchanged money at the airport.
- 両替所はどこですか？Ryōgaejo wa doko desu ka?Where is the money exchange office?
- ここで両替ができますか？Koko de ryōgae ga dekimasu ka?Can I exchange money here?
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at a shopping mall.
- 健太 Kenta千円札を両替したいんだけど。Sen'en satsu o ryōgae shitai n dakedo.I want to change this thousand yen bill.
- 陽葵 Himari近くに両替所があるよ。Chikaku ni ryōgaejo ga aru yo.There is a money exchange office nearby.
- 健太 Kenta本当？助かるよ、陽葵。Hontō? Tasukaru yo, Himari.Really? That helps, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒に行こう！Issho ni ikō!Let's go together!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 両替, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
