bank
A bank is a place where you keep your money safe or borrow it when you need it.
Explanation at your level:
A bank is a building. You go there to put your money inside. It is safe. You can also get money from the bank if you need to buy things. You have a card for your bank account.
A bank is a place where people keep their money. You can open a 'bank account' to save money. If you need money for a house or a car, the bank can give you a 'loan'. It is a very important place in every city.
A bank is a financial institution that provides services like savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Most people use a bank to deposit their salary and manage their monthly expenses. It is a safe place to store money, and you can withdraw cash from an ATM outside the bank.
Beyond just storing cash, a bank acts as a critical intermediary in the economy. They facilitate transactions, provide credit to businesses, and offer investment products. Understanding how to manage your 'bank balance' is a key skill for financial independence in the modern world.
The term bank encompasses a wide array of financial entities, from retail consumer banks to complex investment and central banking institutions. In a macroeconomic context, banks are pivotal as they manage liquidity and interest rates, which directly impact the broader economy. Figuratively, we also use 'bank' to describe a repository of resources, such as a 'data bank' or a 'knowledge bank'.
Historically, the bank emerged from the banchi of the Italian Renaissance, evolving from simple money-changing benches to the sophisticated global financial systems of today. The etymological link between the 'bench' of a money changer and the concept of 'bankruptcy' provides a compelling look at the fragility of early financial structures. Today, the term is deeply embedded in our lexicon, serving both as a literal place of commerce and a metaphorical reservoir for anything from blood to memories.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- A bank is a place for money.
- It comes from the word 'bench'.
- It is a countable noun.
- It is essential for personal finance.
Think of a bank as a fortress for your money. It is a professional institution that helps people manage their finances, whether that means saving for a rainy day or getting a loan to buy a house.
When you put your money in a bank, you are essentially asking them to guard it for you. In return, they might pay you a small amount of interest for the privilege of holding your funds. It is a cornerstone of modern society because it allows money to move efficiently between people and businesses.
The word bank has a fascinating history that dates back to the Italian Renaissance. It comes from the Italian word banco, which literally means 'bench' or 'table'.
In early medieval markets, money lenders would sit on benches in the town square to conduct their business. If a lender went out of business, their bench was often broken in a symbolic act—this is actually where we get the word bankrupt (from the Italian banca rotta, or 'broken bench'). Over time, these benches evolved into the permanent institutions we recognize today.
You will hear the word bank used constantly in daily life. Whether you are talking about 'going to the bank' or 'opening a bank account', it is a very high-frequency noun.
In formal settings, you might hear about 'central banks' or 'investment banks', which deal with large-scale economic policy. In casual conversation, we often just say 'the bank' to refer to our local branch. Remember that 'bank' can also be a verb, as in 'I bank with that company,' which is a common way to describe where you hold your primary account.
English is full of idioms involving banks and money. Here are five you should know:
- Laugh all the way to the bank: To make a lot of money very easily.
- Break the bank: To be extremely expensive.
- Bank on something: To rely or depend on something happening.
- Blood bank: A place where blood is stored for medical use.
- Memory bank: A metaphor for the store of information in your brain.
The word bank is a countable noun. You can say 'one bank' or 'two banks'. It typically takes the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific location (e.g., 'I am going to the bank').
Pronunciation-wise, it is a single syllable. In both British and American English, it is pronounced /bæŋk/. The 'nk' sound is a nasal velar stop, which can be tricky for some learners. Rhyming words include tank, rank, sank, blank, and thank.
Fun Fact
Bankruptcy comes from 'broken bench'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'a' sound like 'cat', followed by a nasal 'ng' and 'k'.
Similar to UK, clear 'nk' at the end.
Common Errors
- Forgetting the 'k' sound
- Mispronouncing the nasal 'ng'
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Easy to use in sentences.
Easy to pronounce.
Very common word.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Articles with places
I am at the bank.
Countable nouns
One bank, two banks.
Prepositions of location
In the bank.
Examples by Level
I go to the bank.
I visit the money place.
Use 'the' for specific places.
The bank is closed.
The building is not open.
Adjective usage.
I have money in the bank.
My money is inside.
Preposition 'in'.
Where is the bank?
Asking for location.
Question structure.
My bank is near here.
The location is close.
Possessive pronoun.
I need a bank.
I require the service.
Indefinite article.
Go to the bank now.
Direct instruction.
Imperative verb.
The bank is big.
Describing size.
Simple adjective.
I need to deposit money at the bank.
My bank account is empty.
The bank is open until five.
Can you lend me money from the bank?
I work at a big bank.
The bank gave me a new card.
We walked past the bank.
Is there a bank on this street?
I need to visit the bank to discuss my mortgage.
Most people manage their bank accounts online now.
The bank charges a fee for international transfers.
I've been with this bank for ten years.
The bank manager was very helpful.
You should bank your savings in a high-interest account.
The bank is located in the city center.
I forgot my bank password.
The central bank raised interest rates to combat inflation.
Investment banks often deal with large corporate mergers.
I'm banking on the fact that the check will clear by tomorrow.
The bank's security measures are extremely rigorous.
She has a substantial amount of money in her bank account.
The bank decided to reject the loan application.
Many startups struggle to get funding from a traditional bank.
The bank offers a variety of financial products.
The bank serves as a repository for the community's financial assets.
The bank's insolvency sent shockwaves through the market.
We need to bank on our previous success to secure this deal.
The bank's policy on credit risk has become increasingly conservative.
He works as an analyst for a major investment bank.
The bank provides a buffer against economic volatility.
The bank's digital transformation has changed how we bank.
The bank is a cornerstone of the local economy.
The bank's legacy dates back to the early 19th century.
The bank acts as a conduit for global capital flows.
One must bank on the reliability of the institution during a crisis.
The bank's architectural design reflects its historical prestige.
The bank's mandate is to maintain price stability.
The bank's assets were liquidated after the scandal.
The bank is a repository of institutional knowledge.
The bank's influence on regional development is profound.
مترادفها
متضادها
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"Laugh all the way to the bank"
To make a lot of money easily
He made a fortune and laughed all the way to the bank.
casual"Break the bank"
To cost too much
This car won't break the bank.
casual"Bank on it"
Count on something happening
You can bank on it being a great party.
casual"Memory bank"
The store of information in one's mind
I keep that fact in my memory bank.
neutral"Blood bank"
A place that stores blood
They donated blood to the blood bank.
neutral"Bank holiday"
A public holiday in the UK
We are closed for the bank holiday.
neutralEasily Confused
Shared etymological root
Bench is for sitting; bank is for money.
I sat on the bench; I deposited money in the bank.
Contains the word bank
Bankrupt means no money.
The company went bankrupt.
Person vs. place
Banker is the person.
The banker helped me.
Part of the word bank
It is a piece of paper money.
I have a 10-dollar banknote.
Sentence Patterns
I went to the bank to...
I went to the bank to withdraw cash.
The bank is [adjective].
The bank is closed.
I have a bank account at...
I have a bank account at the local branch.
You can bank on [person] to...
You can bank on him to arrive on time.
The bank approved my [noun].
The bank approved my loan.
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
Bank refers to money, but also land by water; clarify if needed.
We use 'at' for locations.
They sound similar but have different meanings.
Adjectival form is usually banking.
Standard pluralization rule.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant gold coin sitting on a bench.
When Native Speakers Use It
We say 'I'm going to the bank' for errands.
Cultural Insight
Banks are considered very safe places.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'the' before bank.
Say It Right
Don't drop the 'k' at the end.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'I am in bank'.
Did You Know?
Bankruptcy means broken bench.
Study Smart
Learn the word family together.
Verb Usage
You can 'bank' on someone.
Banking History
It started in Italy.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
B-A-N-K: Big Amounts Need Keeping.
Visual Association
A gold coin resting on a sturdy wooden bench.
Word Web
چالش
Write three sentences using 'bank' as a noun and one as a verb.
ریشه کلمه
Italian
Original meaning: Bench or table
بافت فرهنگی
None, but banking can be a stressful topic for some.
Banks are central to life; credit scores are vital.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the bank
- I'd like to deposit this
- I need to withdraw cash
- Is the bank open?
Financial planning
- Manage my bank balance
- Check my bank statement
- Open a savings account
Borrowing
- Apply for a loan
- Interest rates
- Repayment schedule
Online banking
- Log in to my account
- Transfer funds
- Secure password
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer online banking or visiting a branch?"
"What is the most important thing to look for in a bank?"
"Have you ever had to apply for a bank loan?"
"Do you think banks will disappear in the future?"
"What do you think about the history of the word 'bank'?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your first experience opening a bank account.
Why do you think people trust banks with their money?
If you owned a bank, what would you name it?
Write a story about a 'broken bench' leading to a financial crisis.
سوالات متداول
8 سوالNo, many are now online-only.
Yes, it means you trust them.
The person who helps you at the counter.
Often, but check for 'bench' cognates.
To cover operational costs.
The bank for the whole country.
Yes, most banks allow this.
It is a homonym, but unrelated to money.
خودت رو بسنج
I keep my money in the ___.
Banks are for money.
What is a bank?
Banks manage money.
You can borrow money from a bank.
Banks offer loans.
Word
معنی
Definitions match.
Subject-verb-object.
The central ___ sets the interest rates.
Central bank is the correct term.
What does 'break the bank' mean?
It means to cost too much.
Banks only deal with cash.
They deal with digital assets too.
Word
معنی
Synonym matching.
Adjective placement.
امتیاز: /10
Summary
A bank is a secure institution for managing money, with roots in the humble merchant bench.
- A bank is a place for money.
- It comes from the word 'bench'.
- It is a countable noun.
- It is essential for personal finance.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant gold coin sitting on a bench.
When Native Speakers Use It
We say 'I'm going to the bank' for errands.
Cultural Insight
Banks are considered very safe places.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'the' before bank.
مثال
I need to go to the bank to withdraw some cash for the weekend.
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آن را در متن یاد بگیرید
این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
عبارات مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر Money
sublevery
C1A secondary or subordinate levy or administrative charge imposed by a local authority within a larger taxing district. It refers to the process or the actual collection of specialized fees intended for local infrastructure or specific community services.
prices
B1پولی که برای خرید یه چیزی باید بدی. معمولاً وقتی درباره چند تا چیز حرف میزنیم، جمعش رو به کار میبریم.
allowance
B2An allowance is a specific amount of money or resources given regularly for a particular purpose, such as a child's pocket money or a business travel budget. It can also refer to a permitted limit, such as the weight of luggage allowed on an airplane, or an adjustment made to account for certain circumstances.
sen
B2A monetary unit equal to one hundredth of the main currency in several countries, particularly the Malaysian ringgit, Indonesian rupiah, and historically the Japanese yen. It functions similarly to the 'cent' in dollar-based currencies.
barter
C1Describing a system or transaction where goods or services are exchanged directly for other goods or services without the use of money. It characterizes an economic framework reliant on the mutual needs of trading partners rather than a standardized currency.
revenue
A2Revenue is the total amount of money that a company or government receives from its activities, such as selling products or collecting taxes. It represents the money coming in before any costs or expenses are subtracted.
bullish
C1Characterized by optimism and a belief that prices or value will increase, particularly in financial markets. It also describes a person who is confident and aggressive in their pursuit of a goal or positive outcome.
gains
B1Increases in amount, size, value, or the profits and advantages obtained from a particular activity or investment. It often refers to positive progress or the acquisition of something desirable.
richer
B1شکل تفضیلی 'پولدار' یا 'غنی'؛ یعنی کسی که دارایی بیشتری داره یا چیزی که کیفیت و عمق بیشتری داره.
superequity
C1به چیزی میگن که عدالت یا حق و حقوق مالی توش خیلی بیشتر از حد معمول یا استاندارد باشه.
