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.
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.
このお金はちょっとした贅沢に使うつもりだ。
I plan to use this money for a little luxury.
Small income earned from part-time work or a hobby, often for personal use.
Refers to earning extra money on the side, like a side hustle for pocket money.
彼女は週末にお小遣い稼ぎをしている。
She earns some pin money on weekends.
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.
General term for pocket money or an allowance. Commonly used for money given to children or a spouse for personal spending.
毎月、妻に小遣いを渡している。
I give my wife some pin money every month.
子供の小遣いを増やすかどうか話し合った。
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.
お小遣いをいただいて、ありがとうございます。
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.
彼女はへそくりで新しいバッグを買った。
She bought a new bag with her secret pin money.
Literally 'enjoyment funds', used for fun or leisure spending. Slightly more deliberate than 小遣い.
毎月少しずつお楽しみ資金を貯めている。
I'm saving a little pin money each month for fun.
Side work done at home, traditionally by housewives, to earn extra cash. Often implies piecework or small-scale jobs.
母は内職でピン money を稼いでいた。
My mother earned pin money doing piecework at home.