銭
ぜ
に
Meanings
1
round coin with a square hole
Historical coin design; often used when talking about old Japanese or Chinese coins.
This museum has many old coins with square holes on display.
2
base-metal coin; non-precious coin
Refers to coins made of copper, iron, etc., as opposed to gold or silver.
In the past, many people only had base-metal coins.
3
Colloquial term for money, often with a slightly rough or old-fashioned feel.
I have no money, so I can't buy anything today.
Expressions
- 銭の取れるworth the money; good value
- 仏の沙汰も銭money talks; money opens all doors
- 勘定合って銭足らずthe accounts balance but the money is short; what works on paper doesn't always work in practice
- 宵越しの銭は持たないnot keeping money overnight; spending everything one earns in a day