Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'coins' depends on context: small change, specific coin denominations, or the general concept of coinage. The most common everyday term is 小銭 (こぜに) for loose change.
Referring to coins as pocket change, especially when paying or receiving change.
The most common word for loose change or small coins. Used in everyday situations like paying with coins or asking for change.
Is it okay if I pay with coins?
I have a lot of coins.
Formal term for 'coin' (as opposed to paper money). Used in official contexts, banking, or when discussing currency types.
Can I exchange coins for bills?
Loanword from English, often used for specific contexts like coin lockers, coin laundry, or game tokens. Less common for everyday pocket change.
Where is the coin locker?
Referring to coins by their value, such as a 100-yen coin.
Attach 円玉 (えんだま) to a number to refer to a specific coin denomination. Common for 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen coins.
Could you lend me a 100-yen coin?
I received change in 500-yen coins.
Can be combined with the amount, e.g., 百円硬貨 (ひゃくえんこうか), but this is more formal and less common in speech.
Referring to coins as a concept in economics or history.
General term for currency or money, including coins. Used in academic or formal discussions about monetary systems.
Japan has a long history of coinage.
Specifically refers to minted coins, as opposed to paper money or other forms of currency. Very technical.
Referring to coins as collectibles or commemorative items.
小銭 (こぜに) is the everyday word for loose change. 硬貨 (こうか) is the formal term for coins as opposed to bills. コイン is a loanword used in compound words (coin locker, coin laundry) or for tokens, not typically for pocket change.
When counting coins, use the counter 枚 (まい) for flat objects: 百円玉一枚 (ひゃくえんだまいちまい) = one 100-yen coin. For amounts of money, use 円 (えん).
I need coins for the vending machine.
Do you have change for a 1000 yen bill?
Please insert a 100-yen coin.
Ancient minted coins are displayed in this museum.