Are you interested in learning how to speak Japanese or are you planning a trip to Japan soon? If so, one of the essential words you should know is “bank.” In this guide, we will teach you how to say “bank” in Japanese, the Japanese term for bank, and how to use it in context correctly.
Whether you need to find an ATM, open a bank account, or deposit money, knowing how to say “bank” in Japanese is essential. Our guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to correctly pronounce the word “bank” in Japanese, as well as additional banking terminology that you may encounter.
So, get ready to expand your Japanese vocabulary and improve your communication skills by mastering the Japanese term for “bank.”
Read on to discover how to say “bank” in Japanese, the bank translation in Japanese, and the Japanese term for bank.
Understanding the Japanese Word for Bank
In Japanese, the word for “bank” is “銀行” (ginkou). It consists of two kanji characters: “銀” (gin) means “silver,” and “行” (kou) means “company” or “business.” When combined, the characters create the term “silver company” or “silver business,” which reflects the original function of banks as storage and exchange facilities for precious metals.
While the word “bank” originated in Europe, the Japanese term “ginkou” was introduced in the late 19th century amid the country’s modernization efforts. With its unique etymology and pronunciation, the term has become an integral part of Japanese financial language and culture.
Pronouncing Bank in Japanese
Now that you know the Japanese word for “bank,” it’s time to learn how to pronounce it. The word for bank in Japanese is “銀行” and is pronounced as “gin-koh.”
To break it down further:
| Japanese | Phonetic Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| 銀行 | gin-koh |
The first syllable, “gin,” is similar in sound to the English word “gin.” The second syllable, “koh,” is pronounced like “ko” with a bit of a “h” sound at the end.
Remember that in Japanese, each syllable is pronounced clearly and distinctly, so take your time and make sure you are saying each syllable correctly. It may take some practice, but with time and effort, you’ll be able to pronounce “bank” in Japanese fluently.
Audio Example
Listen to this audio clip to hear the correct pronunciation:
By practicing the correct pronunciation of “bank” in Japanese, you’ll be able to communicate effectively in a Japanese banking setting and show respect to those you are speaking with.
Expressing Bank in Japanese
Aside from the basic Japanese term for “bank,” there are other words and phrases that can be used to express the concept of banking in Japanese.
| Japanese | Translation |
|---|---|
| 銀行 (ぎんこう) | Bank |
| 貯金所 (ちょきんじょ) | Savings Deposit |
| 預金 (よきん) | Deposit |
| 引き出し (ひきだし) | Withdrawal |
While the term “bank” is commonly used in everyday Japanese, the other expressions listed above may be more appropriate in certain contexts, such as when referring to specific types of accounts or services.
For example, if you were discussing your savings account, you could say:
私の貯金所にはたくさんのお金があります。
Which translates to:
I have a lot of money in my savings deposit.
Similarly, if you need to make a withdrawal, you could ask:
引き出しをしたいのですが、どうすればいいですか？
Which translates to:
I want to make a withdrawal, what should I do?
Context Matters
It’s important to note that the appropriate expression for “bank” in Japanese can vary depending on the context. For example, if you wanted to say “bank transfer” in Japanese, you would use the phrase “銀行振込” (ぎんこうふりこみ) instead of simply saying “bank.”
By understanding the different expressions and how they are used in various contexts, you can communicate effectively with Japanese speakers about all things related to banking.
Navigating Japanese Banking Vocabulary
Now that you have learned the Japanese word for bank and how to pronounce it, it’s time to expand your vocabulary and understand key banking terms in Japanese. Here are some essential terms to know:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Account | 口座 (kouza) | koh-za |
| Credit card | クレジットカード (kurejitto kaado) | koo-reh-jee-toh kah-doh |
| ATM | 現金自動預け払い機 (genkin jidou azuke harai ki) | geh-n-kin jee-doh ah-zoo-keh hah-rah-ee kee |
| Deposit | 預金 (yokin) | yoh-kin |
| Withdrawal | 引き出し (hikidashi) | hee-kee-dah-shee |
| Loan | ローン (roon) | rohn |
It’s important to note that Japanese banking terminology can be formal and complex. If you are opening an account or conducting a financial transaction, it may be helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or professional translator assist you.
Additional Resources
If you want to further expand your banking vocabulary in Japanese, there are several online resources available. You can find helpful apps, websites, and language courses that specialize in Japanese banking and finance terminology.
Expand Your Japanese Vocabulary
Now that you know the Japanese word for bank, it’s time to expand your vocabulary in this context. Here are some additional words and phrases that you can use:
| Japanese | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 振込 | Transfer |
| 預金口座 | Savings account |
| 現金 | Cash |
| 通帳 | Passbook |
| ATM | ATM |
These words and phrases are commonly used in banking conversations in Japan, so it’s helpful to be familiar with them. Practice using them in context to improve your communication skills.
Wrap Up and Practice
Now that you have learned how to say “bank” in Japanese, it’s time to practice and apply your knowledge. Remember, the Japanese term for bank is “銀行” (ginkou), and it is pronounced as “gin-koh.”
To solidify your understanding, try pronouncing the word “銀行” (ginkou) out loud a few times while focusing on the correct intonation. You can also practice using the word in context by constructing simple sentences such as “I need to go to the bank” or “The bank is closed today” using the Japanese word for bank.
Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with other essential banking vocabulary in Japanese, including terms for different types of accounts, transactions, and financial services. This will help you communicate more effectively in a business or financial setting.
In summary, learning how to say “bank” in Japanese is a useful skill that can enhance your language skills and cultural understanding. Keep practicing and expanding your knowledge of Japanese banking terminology, and you will be well on your way to becoming a proficient Japanese speaker.
FAQ
Q: How do you say “bank” in Japanese?
A: The Japanese word for “bank” is 銀行 (ぎんこう, ginkō).
Q: How do you pronounce “bank” in Japanese?
A: The pronunciation of “bank” in Japanese is “ginkō” (ぎんこう).
Q: Are there alternative ways to express “bank” in Japanese?
A: Yes, besides the word “ginkō,” you can also use the phrase “銀行業 (ぎんこうぎょう, ginkōgyō)” to refer to banking business or “銀行口座 (ぎんこうこうざ, ginkō kōza)” for a bank account.
Q: What other banking vocabulary should I know in Japanese?
A: Some important banking terms in Japanese include 預金口座 (よきんこうざ, yokin kōza) for savings account, 貯金 (ちょきん, chokin) for savings, and 融資 (ゆうし, yūshi) for financing.
Q: Can you provide additional Japanese words related to banking?
A: Sure! Here are a few more Japanese banking terms: ATM (現金自動預け払い機, げんきんじどうあずけはらいき, genkin jidō azukeharai-ki), loan (融資, ゆうし, yūshi), and credit card (クレジットカード, kurejitto kādo).
Q: What should I do after reading this guide?
A: After reading this guide, we encourage you to practice pronouncing and using these Japanese banking terms in real-life situations to enhance your learning.