counterfeit money; fake currency
Refers to forged or fake money, including coins and bills. Used in legal and everyday contexts.
He was arrested on suspicion of using counterfeit money.
この紙幣は偽金かもしれない。
This bill might be counterfeit.
Common kanji spelling using 偽 (false) and 金 (money).
Alternate kanji spelling using 贋 (counterfeit). Less common but still encountered.
Compound of 偽 (false) and 金 (money). The alternate spelling 贋金 uses 贋 (counterfeit).