Translation guide
The English word 'cash' refers to physical money (bills and coins) or immediate payment. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 現金 (genkin), but other terms and phrases are used depending on context, such as emphasizing physical currency, payment methods, or slang.
Referring to tangible currency, as opposed to credit cards or digital payments.
The standard, neutral word for cash in most contexts. Used in shops, banks, and everyday conversation.
I'll pay in cash.
Do you have cash?
Colloquial way to ask 'Is it cash?' or 'Are you paying cash?'. Often used in casual settings.
Oh, cash? I thought you'd use a card.
Loanword from English, often used in business or technical contexts (e.g., cash flow, cash register). Less common for everyday 'cash'.
We need to improve cash flow.
General word for 'money'. Can imply cash in context, but is broader. Use 現金 for clarity.
お金 means 'money' in general, not specifically cash. Use 現金 when you need to be precise.
I need to withdraw some cash.
Emphasizing payment at the time of purchase, not on credit or later.
Literally 'cash payment'. Used in shops or when discussing payment methods.
Cash only.
Means 'immediate cash payment' or 'cash on the spot'. Often used in transactions or negotiations.
Loanword from 'cash on delivery' or similar. Used in some business contexts, but not common in daily speech.
Cash on delivery, please.
Referring to available money, often in a financial or personal budgeting context.
Same word as above, but used in contexts like 'I don't have enough cash on me'.
I don't have much cash right now.
Means 'on hand' or 'in one's possession'. Often combined with 現金: 手持ち現金 (cash on hand).
Used in financial reports or business settings to mean 'cash reserves'.
Informal or slang terms for money, similar to 'cash' in casual English.
Slang term for cash, literally 'real money'. Common in casual speech among friends.
I want some cash, man.
Kanji form of げんなま, often used in writing or for emphasis. Same meaning.
Literally 'wad of bills'. Used to emphasize a large amount of physical cash.
While キャッシュ is understood, it sounds like business jargon. For everyday 'cash', use 現金.
Cash, please.
In Japan, you'll often see signs saying 現金のみ (genkin nomi) meaning 'cash only'. This is a very useful phrase to recognize.
This shop is cash only.
I need to get some cash.
There's a discount if you pay in cash.
即金で買います。
I'll buy it for cash right now.
手持ちの現金はいくらですか？
How much cash do you have on hand?
The company is short on cash.
I'll pay in cold, hard cash.
彼は札束を見せびらかした。
He flashed a wad of cash.