Learning how to say “send money” in Japanese can be immensely helpful if you ever find yourself needing to transfer funds to someone in Japan or if you encounter a situation where you need to discuss financial matters. In this guide, we will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express this phrase in Japanese. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
In formal situations, such as when discussing financial matters with business partners, using polite language is essential. Here are some formal ways to convey the idea of “send money” in Japanese:
1. 送金する (Sōkin Suru)
送金（そうきん）する is the most commonly used formal phrase to express “send money” in Japanese. This phrase is suitable for any formal context and is widely understood. When using this expression, you can either use it as a complete sentence or in combination with other words to specify the method of sending money, such as “bank transfer” or “wire transfer.”
Example:
海外への送金をお願いします。
(Kaigai e no sōkin o onegaishimasu.)
Please send money overseas.
2. お金を送る (Okane o Okuru)
お金（おかね）を送る is another formal expression that means “send money” in Japanese. This phrase is straightforward and commonly used in official situations. It is suitable when dealing with banks, financial institutions, or any formal transactions involving money.
Example:
銀行口座にお金を送りたいのですが、手続き方法を教えてください。
(Ginkō kōza ni okane o okuritai no desu ga, tetsuzuki hōhō o oshiete kudasai.)
I would like to send money to a bank account; could you please explain the procedure?
Informal Expressions
In informal situations, such as among friends or family members, you can use more casual language to convey the idea of sending money. Below are a couple of informal expressions in Japanese:
1. 送金する (Sōkin Suru)
Yes, we mentioned “送金する” as a formal expression previously, but surprisingly, it can also be used in informal conversations. However, please note that the level of politeness will be reduced when used informally.
Example:
友達にお金を送金するよ。
(Tomodachi ni okane o sōkin suru yo.)
I’ll send money to my friend.
2. お金を送る (Okane o Okuru)
お金を送る can be used in both formal and informal situations. While it is acceptable for casual conversations, it might sound a bit more polite if you replace “お金” (money) with a more casual term, like “ちょっとしたお金” (a little money) or “小遣い” (allowance), depending on the context.
Example:
今月の小遣いを友達に送るつもりだ。
(Kongetsu no okozukai o tomodachi ni okuru tsumori da.)
I plan on sending my friend this month’s allowance.
Tips for Using These Phrases
While the above expressions cover the basics, it’s essential to keep a few tips in mind when discussing money matters in Japanese:
1. Politeness Matters
Pay attention to the level of politeness needed in each situation. Using the appropriate level of politeness shows respect and cultural awareness. When in doubt, err on the side of being more formal until your relationship with the person becomes more familiar.
2. Learn Relevant Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary related to money and financial matters in Japanese. Familiarize yourself with words like “bank account” (銀行口座 – ginkō kōza), “transfer” (振込 – furikomi), or “cash” (現金 – genkin) to effectively communicate your needs.
3. Seek Clarification
If you are unsure about the specific process or requirements for sending money in a particular context, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. This shows a genuine interest in understanding and following the appropriate procedures.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “send money” in Japanese can greatly aid you in various financial situations, whether formal or informal. Remember to consider the appropriate level of politeness and use the phrases we discussed accordingly. By incorporating these expressions into your Japanese language skills, you’ll be equipped to navigate money-related conversations with ease.
