Translation guide
Small amounts of money for personal, non-essential spending, often used by a non-working spouse or for minor luxuries.
Money given regularly for small personal expenses, often to a spouse or child.
General term for pocket money or an allowance. Commonly used for money given to children or a spouse for personal spending.
I give my wife some pin money every month.
We discussed whether to increase the children's allowance.
Polite form of 小遣い, often used when referring to someone else's allowance or in polite conversation.
Thank you for the pin money.
Secret savings or hidden money, often set aside from household expenses. Carries a nuance of being hidden from one's spouse.
She bought a new bag with her secret pin money.
A small sum of money used for non-essential personal pleasures or treats.
Describes money used for small indulgences. Not a fixed term, but a natural way to express the concept.
I plan to use this money for a little luxury.
Literally 'enjoyment funds', used for fun or leisure spending. Slightly more deliberate than 小遣い.
Small income earned from part-time work or a hobby, often for personal use.
The English term 'pin money' is not directly translated into Japanese. Using ピンマネー is understood but sounds like borrowed English. Use 小遣い or descriptive phrases instead.
小遣い is an open allowance, while へそくり is secret savings. Use へそくり only when the money is hidden from family members.
I'm saving a little pin money each month for fun.
母は内職でピン money を稼いでいた。
My mother earned pin money doing piecework at home.