Translation guide
How to express having money readily available, from cash in your wallet to funds at your disposal.
The speaker wants to say they have physical money (bills/coins) on their person right now.
Literally 'money on hand'. The most direct and common way to say you have cash with you.
手持ちのお金が足りない。
I don't have enough money on hand.
How much money do you have on hand?
Means 'cash'. Often used when contrasting with credit cards or digital payments.
現金をいくらか持っています。
I have some cash on me.
Refers to the money you happen to have with you at the moment. Often used in the phrase 持ち合わせがない (I don't have enough on me).
すみません、持ち合わせがなくて。
Sorry, I don't have any money on me.
The speaker wants to talk about money they can access quickly, such as in a bank account or wallet app.
Literally 'money at hand'. Broader than physical cash; includes money in accounts you can use immediately.
手元にあるお金で支払えます。
I can pay with the money I have on hand.
Means 'money that can be used immediately'. Emphasizes liquidity.
すぐに使えるお金がいくら必要ですか？
How much money do you need on hand?
The speaker wants to confirm or state they have sufficient funds for something.
Pattern meaning 'have enough money for ~'. Replace 〜 with the amount or purpose.
旅行に行くだけのお金は手元にある。
I have enough money on hand for the trip.
手持ち (てもち) strongly implies physical cash you are carrying. 手元 (てもと) is broader and can include money in a nearby account or wallet app. Use 手持ち for 'cash in my wallet' and 手元 for 'funds at my disposal'.
手持ちがないからATMに行く。
I don't have cash on me, so I'll go to an ATM.
手元に十分なお金があるから大丈夫。
I have enough money on hand, so it's fine.
Do not translate 'money on hand' word-for-word as 手のお金 or 手の上のお金. These are unnatural. Use the phrases above.