Translation guide
A passbook is a physical booklet used to record bank account transactions. In Japan, it is called a 通帳 (tsūchō) and is still commonly used alongside cash cards.
A booklet issued by a bank to record deposits, withdrawals, and balance.
I need to update my passbook. · The bank teller printed the transaction in my passbook.
Standard term for a bank passbook. Often used with 銀行 (bank) as 銀行の通帳.
Please update your passbook.
I lost my passbook. Can I get it reissued?
Formal term for a savings passbook, literally 'deposit passbook'. Used in official contexts.
Do you have your savings passbook?
Specifically used for postal savings (Japan Post Bank) passbooks. 貯金 implies saving money, often at the post office.
Japan Post Bank savings passbook
A booklet for recording transactions or membership details, not necessarily banking.
In non-banking contexts, 'passbook' is not directly translated. Use terms like 手帳 (notebook), 会員証 (membership card), or 記録簿 (record book) as appropriate.
Avoid using 通帳 for non-bank booklets; it specifically implies a bank passbook.
We record points in this passbook.
In Japan, bank accounts typically come with both a 通帳 (passbook) and a キャッシュカード (cash card). The passbook is used to view transaction history, while the cash card is for ATM withdrawals and deposits. Many people still use passbooks, though online banking is becoming more common.
The English word 'passbook' sounds similar to 'passport', but they are different. Passport is パスポート in Japanese.