Translation guide
A digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography, often decentralized. In Japanese, the English loanword is most common, but native terms exist.
The standard Japanese term for cryptocurrency. Used in formal and technical contexts.
Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology.
Literally 'virtual currency'. Commonly used in media and everyday conversation, though technically broader than cryptocurrency.
Recently, the price of virtual currencies plummeted.
Direct loanword from English. Rarely used; 暗号通貨 or 仮想通貨 are preferred.
The word 'cryptocurrency' is not very common.
Referring to a particular coin or token.
暗号通貨 (cryptocurrency) emphasizes cryptographic security, while 仮想通貨 (virtual currency) is a broader term that includes non-cryptographic digital currencies. In practice, they are often used interchangeably, but 暗号通貨 is more precise for cryptocurrencies.
In Japan, the term 'virtual currency' is often used, but internationally 'cryptocurrency' is standard.
I invested in cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency mining consumes a lot of electricity.
Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap.