Translation guide
In Japanese, 'paper money' is most commonly expressed as お札 (osatsu) in everyday conversation, or 紙幣 (shihei) in formal and written contexts. The term 札 (satsu) is a casual abbreviation. This guide covers the main ways to refer to paper currency, including usage notes and examples.
The most common and natural way to refer to paper money in daily life, such as when talking about cash, withdrawing money, or handling bills.
Polite and standard term for paper money or bills. Used in everyday conversation.
お札で払ってもいいですか。
Can I pay with paper money?
財布にお札が一枚もない。
I don't have a single bill in my wallet.
Casual abbreviation of お札. Common in informal speech.
札、崩してくれる？
Can you break this bill for me?
Formal term for paper money or banknotes. Used in official, written, or economic contexts.
日本銀行は紙幣を発行している。
The Bank of Japan issues paper money.
When distinguishing paper money from coins, or referring to the physical form of currency.
Used in contrast with 硬貨 (こうか, coins) or 小銭 (こぜに, small change).
お札と小銭、どっちがいい？
Do you prefer paper money or coins?
Formal contrast with 硬貨 (coins).
Referring to specific amounts of paper money, such as a 1,000-yen bill or a 10,000-yen bill.
Attach the amount to 円札 to specify a bill of that denomination. Common for 千円札 (せんえんさつ, 1,000-yen bill), 五千円札 (ごせんえんさつ, 5,000-yen bill), 一万円札 (いちまんえんさつ, 10,000-yen bill).
千円札をください。
Please give me a 1,000-yen bill.
一万円札でお釣りをください。
Please give me change for a 10,000-yen bill.
More formal version using 紙幣. Used in official or written descriptions.
新たな二千円紙幣が発行された。
A new 2,000-yen bill was issued.
お札 is the polite, everyday word for paper money. 紙幣 is more formal and often used in economic, official, or written contexts. In casual speech, 札 (without お) is common among friends.
In many situations, Japanese speakers simply say お金 (money) rather than specifying paper money. If the context is clear, お金 is natural and sufficient.
お金を下ろさなきゃ。
I need to withdraw some money.
We accept both paper money and coins.