Translation guide
How to express the idea of opening an account (bank, online, etc.) in Japanese. The most natural translation depends on the type of account and context.
To create a new bank account.
Standard formal phrase for opening a bank account. Used in official contexts and written materials.
I would like to open a new bank account.
More casual way to say 'open an account'. Common in everyday conversation.
I opened an account with an online bank.
Literally 'open an account'. Less common than 開設する or 作る, but still understood. May sound slightly stiff.
Is it difficult to open an account overseas?
To register for a non-bank account, such as a website, app, or membership.
Standard phrase for creating an online account. Used in formal and written contexts.
Please create a new account.
Casual equivalent of 作成する. Common in speech.
I made an account for the game.
Means 'to register'. Often used when signing up for a service, which implies creating an account.
Membership registration is free.
To open a brokerage or securities account.
口座 (こうざ) is used for financial accounts (bank, securities). アカウント is used for online services, apps, and memberships. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
unnatural: 'make a bank account' (use 口座)
開設する (かいせつする) is the most formal and common for financial accounts. 作る (つくる) is casual and widely used. 開く (ひらく) is less frequent but acceptable. For online accounts, 作成する (さくせいする) is formal, 作る is casual.
I opened a forex trading account.