財布
saifu[sa̠iɸɯ̟]
In Japanese, the English phrase "wallet" is translated as 財布 (saifu). Wiktionary also lists 札入れ (satsuire).
Meaning: case for keeping money (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 財布 | saifu | [sa̠iɸɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 札入れ | satsuire | [sa̠t͡sɨiɾe̞] (narrow) |
The term refers to a case used for keeping money.
Which one should you use?
While 財布 (saifu) is the general term for a wallet, 札入れ (satsuire) specifically refers to a slim case designed primarily for holding paper bills.
How do you pronounce it?
saifu
Did you know?
- It is a common cultural custom in Japan to replace your 財布 at the start of the New Year to welcome fresh financial luck.
- Some people use a 長財布 (naga-saifu), or long wallet, specifically because there is a belief that keeping bills unfolded brings better luck.
- The word 財布 (saifu) literally translates to 'wealth cloth', as it is a combination of the characters for 'money' and 'cloth'.
Examples in context
- ほら財布だ。Here's my wallet.This sentence is useful for pointing out where a wallet is.Tatoeba #195947 by small_snow, translation #33122 by CK
- 財布を返せ。Give me back my wallet.This sentence is useful for demanding the return of a wallet.Tatoeba #4216180 by KK_kaku_, translation #4317003 by CK
- 財布が盗まれた。My wallet has been stolen.This sentence is useful for stating that a wallet was stolen.Tatoeba #7989452 by Ninja, translation #1739711 by CM
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are at a cafe, and Ren realizes he is missing something.
- 蓮 Renあれ、財布がない。Are, saifu ga nai.Oh no, I don't have my wallet.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、バッグの中にない？Ren-kun, baggu no naka ni nai?Ren, isn't it in your bag?
- 蓮 Renあ、あった！ここにあった。A, atta! Koko ni atta.Ah, found it! It was right here.
- 結衣 Yuiよかったね。Yokatta ne.I'm glad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wallet” translations and entries 財布, 札入れ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 財布, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
