Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'wallet' depends on the type and context. The most common general term is 財布 (saifu), but other words exist for specific styles or formal situations.
The speaker wants to refer to a typical wallet used to carry cash, coins, and cards.
The standard, everyday word for a wallet or purse used to carry money. It can refer to any small container for cash and cards.
I forgot my wallet.
I want to buy a new wallet.
A polite or softer version of 財布, often used by women or in polite conversation. The prefix お adds a touch of refinement.
There's not much in my wallet.
The speaker wants to specify a long, rectangular wallet that folds, typically used by men.
Literally 'bill holder', this refers to a wallet designed primarily for paper money, often a long folding wallet without a coin purse.
I gave my dad a wallet for Father's Day.
A long wallet that doesn't fold, often used by both men and women. It's a specific style that holds bills flat.
The speaker wants to refer specifically to a small container for coins, not a full wallet.
A coin purse, literally 'small change holder'. Used when you want to distinguish from a billfold or full wallet.
I went out with just my coin purse.
A clasped coin purse with a metal frame that opens like a frog's mouth. Often used for traditional or cute styles.
The speaker wants to refer to a small case for business cards, which can be considered a type of wallet in some contexts.
A business card holder. While not a wallet for money, it's a common accessory carried like a wallet in professional settings.
I checked my business card holder before the meeting.
The English loanword ウォレット is sometimes used in product names or tech contexts (e.g., digital wallets), but it's not the natural word for a physical wallet. Stick to 財布 or the specific terms above.
smartphone wallet (case)
長財布はかばんに入れやすい。
A long wallet is easy to put in a bag.
祖母のがま口をもらった。
I received my grandmother's coin purse.