Translation guide
In Japanese, 'electronic money' is commonly referred to as 電子マネー (denshi manē), a direct loanword. It encompasses various forms of digital currency, including prepaid IC cards like Suica, mobile payment apps, and cryptocurrency. The term is widely understood and used in everyday contexts.
electronic money
The broad, everyday term for any form of electronic money, including prepaid cards, mobile payments, and online currency.
The most common and direct translation. Used for all types of electronic money, from IC cards to app-based payments.
You can use electronic money at this store.
Can I pay with electronic money?
Refers to electronic payment in general, often used in formal or technical contexts. Slightly broader than 電子マネー, encompassing all digital transactions.
The spread of electronic payments is advancing.
Specific reference to contactless smart cards used for transit and shopping, which are a dominant form of electronic money in Japan.
Generic term for integrated circuit cards, but in daily life it almost always means prepaid e-money cards like Suica or PASMO.
You can pass through the ticket gate with an IC card.
The balance on my IC card is insufficient.
Specifically refers to transit-related IC cards like Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc. Useful when distinguishing from other types of IC cards.
Transit IC cards can be used nationwide.
Electronic money via smartphone apps, such as PayPay, LINE Pay, or Merpay, often using QR codes.
Short for smartphone payment. Very common in casual conversation.
Lately I've been using only smartphone payments.
Specifically QR code-based payments, a subset of mobile payments.
QR code payments are easy and convenient.
Barcode-based payments, less common than QR but still used by some services.
This app supports barcode payments.
Digital or virtual currency using cryptography, such as Bitcoin.
When asking if a store accepts electronic money, you can simply say 「電子マネー使えますか？」(でんしマネーつかえますか？). It's common to specify the brand, e.g., 「Suica使えますか？」.
Can I use electronic money?
A more recent legal/regulatory term, literally 'crypto assets'. Used in official documents.
The tax system for crypto assets has changed.