Translation guide
In Japanese, 'small change' is most commonly expressed as 小銭 (こぜに), referring to coins of low denomination. There are also related terms for loose change, pocket money, or the act of making change.
Referring to coins of small value, such as 1-yen, 5-yen, 10-yen, etc., often carried for small purchases or vending machines.
The standard word for 'small change' or 'coins'. It refers specifically to low-value coins.
Do you have any small change?
I don't have enough small change.
Literally 'fine money', a common phrase meaning small change or coins. Slightly more polite than 小銭.
Could you give me small change?
Formal term for 'coin' (as opposed to bill). Used in official contexts, not typically in daily conversation for 'small change'.
Only coins are accepted.
Referring to coins that are lying around, in a pocket, or given as charity.
A small amount of money given regularly, often to children.
Pocket money or allowance, typically given to children. Not exactly 'small change' but a related concept of small amounts of money.
I give my child pocket money.
The act of exchanging a larger denomination bill or coin for smaller ones.
Both mean small change, but 小銭 is more direct and common in casual speech. 細かいお金 is slightly more polite and descriptive, often used when asking for change in a store.
The literal translation '小さいお金' is not natural Japanese for 'small change'. Use 小銭 or 細かいお金 instead.
Keep the change.
Can you break a 10,000-yen bill?