Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'a small sum of money' depends on context. Common words include 少額 (small amount of money), 小銭 (small change/coins), and はした金 (trifling sum, often negative). The choice depends on formality and nuance.
To refer to a small sum of money in a neutral or formal context, such as in business or official settings.
The most standard and neutral term for a small amount of money. Used in formal and written contexts.
Even a small donation helps.
You can start with a small investment.
Synonym of 少額, but slightly less common. Interchangeable in most contexts.
A small handling fee will be charged.
To refer to physical coins or a small amount of cash, often in everyday situations.
Refers to coins or small change. Very common in daily conversation.
I have a lot of small change.
I put some coins in the donation box.
Literally 'small money', a common phrase for small change or small bills. More colloquial than 小銭.
Do you have any small change?
To express that an amount of money is so small it's almost worthless, often with a dismissive or derogatory tone.
A derogatory term for a paltry sum, implying it's beneath consideration. Often used in negative contexts.
I can't live on such a paltry sum.
Same as はした金, but written with different kanji. Conveys a small, insignificant amount.
Literally 'a tiny amount of money'. More neutral than はした金, but still emphasizes smallness.
It's foolish to fight over such a small sum of money.
To refer to a small sum in very casual conversation, often among friends.
The phrase 'small sum' is not directly translated as 小さい合計 (chiisai goukei) or 小さな金額 (chiisana kingaku) in natural Japanese. While 小さな金額 is understandable, it sounds unnatural. Use 少額 or context-appropriate terms instead.
少額 (shougaku) refers to the amount of money in abstract terms, suitable for formal contexts. 小銭 (kozeni) specifically means coins or physical small change, used in everyday situations.
端金に過ぎない。
It's nothing but a trifling sum.