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.
新しい銀行口座を開設したいです。
I would like to open a new bank account.
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.
新しいアカウントを作成してください。
Please create a new account.
To open a brokerage or securities account.
Specific term for opening a securities account. Used in financial contexts.
証券口座を開設するには本人確認が必要です。
Identity verification is required to open a 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.
銀行のアカウントを作る
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.
More casual way to say 'open an account'. Common in everyday conversation.
ネット銀行で口座を作った。
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.
海外で口座を開くのは難しいですか？
Is it difficult to open an account overseas?
Casual equivalent of 作成する. Common in speech.
ゲームのアカウントを作ったよ。
I made an account for the game.
Means 'to register'. Often used when signing up for a service, which implies creating an account.
会員登録は無料です。
Membership registration is free.
General phrase for opening a trading account. Can be used for forex, crypto, etc.
FXの取引口座を開きました。
I opened a forex trading account.