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A2 noun #2,800 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

お札

osatsu
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces お札 en 30 secondes
Explication お札 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learning the word お札 (osatsu) is about basic survival and recognition. When you travel to Japan, you will need to buy things. While many places accept cards, cash is still king in many situations. You need to know that お札 means paper money or bills. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just focus on recognizing the word when a cashier speaks to you, or when you need to point out that you only have a large bill. For example, if you want to buy a cheap drink but only have a 10,000 yen note, you might say 'お札、いいですか？' (Is a bill okay?). It is a simple noun. The most important thing at this stage is to associate the sound 'osatsu' with paper money. Do not confuse it with coins, which are called 'koin' or 'kozeni'. Also, learn the counter 'mai' for flat things. One bill is 'ichi-mai', two bills are 'ni-mai'. If a vending machine is not working, you might point to the slot and say 'お札、だめ' (Bill, no good). This simple communication is highly effective. Remember that Japanese bills come in 1000, 2000 (rare), 5000, and 10000 yen denominations. The 1000 yen bill is the most common and useful for small purchases. Keep practicing listening for the word 'osatsu' when you are at convenience stores or train stations. It will help you understand when a machine is out of order or when a cashier is asking you for a specific type of payment. Building this foundational vocabulary is key to feeling comfortable and confident during your first interactions in Japan.
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At the A2 level, your ability to use お札 (osatsu) expands into forming complete, functional sentences for everyday tasks. You are no longer just pointing and saying the word; you are using it with verbs to accomplish specific goals. The most crucial verb to learn at this stage is 崩す (kuzusu), which means to break a bill. If you are getting into a taxi or buying a small item at a local market, handing over a 10,000 yen note can be an inconvenience for the seller. You should learn to ask, 'このお札、崩せますか？' (Can you break this bill?). You should also be comfortable using verbs like 入れる (ireru - to insert) and 出す (dasu - to take out). For example, '自動販売機にお札を入れます' (I insert a bill into the vending machine). At this level, you should also be aware of the different types of bills: 千円札 (sen-en satsu - 1000 yen bill), 五千円札 (go-sen-en satsu - 5000 yen bill), and 一万円札 (ichi-man-en satsu - 10000 yen bill). You will start noticing signs on machines that say '千円札のみ' (1000 yen bills only). Understanding these signs will save you a lot of frustration. Additionally, you should practice using the counter 枚 (mai) correctly in sentences, such as '千円札が三枚あります' (I have three 1000 yen bills). This level is all about practical, transactional Japanese. You are navigating the physical world of Japanese commerce, and being able to talk about your money clearly and politely is a significant step toward fluency and independence in Japan.
Reaching the B1 level means you can handle more complex situations involving お札 (osatsu), such as banking, exchanging currency, and dealing with unexpected problems. You are moving beyond simple purchases. If a vending machine swallows your money, you need to be able to explain the situation to a station attendant: '機械にお札を入れたんですが、出てきません' (I put a bill in the machine, but it won't come out). You should also be comfortable discussing currency exchange. If you go to a bank, you might say, 'このドルのお札を日本円に両替したいです' (I want to exchange these dollar bills for Japanese yen). At this level, you should also learn the formal synonym 紙幣 (shihei). While you will still use お札 in conversation, you will start seeing 紙幣 on official forms, ATM screens, and in news articles. Understanding the difference in register between these two words is a key B1 skill. You might also need to ask for specific types of bills, such as crisp, new bills for a wedding gift: '新札（ピン札）に替えてもらえますか' (Could you exchange these for new bills?). You are also capable of understanding instructions from bank tellers or automated machines regarding how to insert or arrange your bills. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 現金 (genkin - cash) and 小銭 (kozeni - small change), allowing you to have more nuanced conversations about payment methods. This level bridges the gap between basic survival and comfortable, independent living in Japan.
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At the B2 level, your usage of お札 (osatsu) and its formal counterpart 紙幣 (shihei) becomes highly nuanced. You can participate in discussions about the economy, the transition to a cashless society, and the cultural significance of money in Japan. You can express opinions on topics like, '日本ではまだお札を使う人が多いですが、徐々にキャッシュレス化が進んでいます' (Many people in Japan still use paper money, but the shift to cashless is gradually progressing). You are comfortable reading news articles about the issuance of new banknotes (新紙幣の発行) and can discuss the historical figures featured on them, such as Eiichi Shibusawa or Umeko Tsuda. You understand advanced vocabulary related to counterfeiting (偽造 - gizou) and anti-counterfeiting technologies (偽造防止技術 - gizou boushi gijutsu). If you are working in Japan, you can handle cash register duties, counting bills rapidly and using appropriate keigo (honorific language) with customers: '一万円札からお預かりいたします' (I will take your 10,000 yen bill). You also understand idiomatic or colloquial expressions related to money, such as 札束 (satsutaba - a wad of cash). Your reading comprehension allows you to easily navigate complex banking documents and financial news. You no longer just use the word to buy things; you use it to discuss societal trends, history, and economics. This level of fluency demonstrates a deep integration into Japanese society and an ability to handle professional and intellectual conversations regarding currency.
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At the C1 level, you possess a near-native command of vocabulary related to お札 (osatsu) and 紙幣 (shihei). You can effortlessly switch between casual, polite, and highly formal registers depending on the context. You can read and comprehend complex economic treatises, historical analyses of Japanese monetary policy, and literary works that use money metaphorically. You are familiar with historical terms for money and can discuss the evolution of the yen. You can debate the macroeconomic impacts of printing more money (紙幣を刷る - shihei o suru) or the psychological effects of physical cash versus digital currency on consumer spending habits. You understand and can use rare or highly specific idioms and proverbs involving money. In a business context, you can negotiate financial terms, discuss cash flow, and present financial reports using the precise terminology required. Your understanding of the cultural nuances of money in Japan—such as the strict etiquette surrounding goshuugi (wedding money) and the presentation of new bills—is flawless. You can explain these customs in detail to a non-Japanese speaker. You are also attuned to the subtle emotional connotations of words like 札束 (satsutaba) in literature or media, recognizing when it implies greed, power, or desperation. At this level, the word is merely a tool within a vast, sophisticated vocabulary that allows you to express any thought, no matter how complex or abstract, regarding finance, history, and society.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of Japanese currency terminology, including お札 (osatsu), 紙幣 (shihei), and all related economic and historical vocabulary, is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in academic discourse on monetary theory, the history of fiat currency, and the intricate details of the Bank of Japan's monetary easing policies. You can analyze classic Japanese literature, identifying archaic terms for money and understanding their socio-economic context within the Edo or Meiji periods. You can write persuasive essays or professional articles on the future of physical currency in a digital world, employing sophisticated rhetorical devices and flawless grammar. You are capable of understanding regional dialects or slang related to money, even if you choose not to use them yourself. You can effortlessly comprehend fast-paced, highly technical news broadcasts or financial podcasts. Your ability to play with the language allows you to use puns or double entendres involving the homophones お札 (osatsu - money) and お札 (ofuda - charm) in creative writing or speech. You possess a deep, intuitive understanding of the psychological and cultural weight of physical cash in Japanese society, and you can articulate this understanding with elegance and precision. At this ultimate level of proficiency, no nuance, historical reference, or complex grammatical structure involving this vocabulary is beyond your grasp.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

お札 en 30 secondes

  • Means 'banknote' or 'paper money' in Japanese.
  • Counted using the counter 枚 (mai), not 個 (ko).
  • Formal equivalent is 紙幣 (shihei).
  • Commonly used with verbs like 崩す (break) and 数える (count).
The Japanese word for banknote or paper money is お札 (osatsu). Understanding this word is absolutely essential for anyone living in or traveling to Japan, as despite the recent push towards cashless payments, Japan remains a heavily cash-based society in many traditional sectors. The word consists of the honorific prefix お (o) and the kanji 札 (satsu), which means a note, paper, or ticket. When combined, it specifically refers to paper currency issued by the Bank of Japan. It is important to distinguish this from coins, which are called 硬貨 (kouka) or 小銭 (kozeni). In everyday conversation, Japanese people use お札 to refer to any denomination of paper money, whether it is the one thousand yen note (千円札 - sen-en satsu), the five thousand yen note (五千円札 - go-sen-en satsu), or the ten thousand yen note (一万円札 - ichi-man-en satsu). There is also a rare two thousand yen note (二千円札 - ni-sen-en satsu) which you might occasionally encounter, though it is quite uncommon in daily circulation.
Etymology of Satsu
The kanji 札 originally referred to a wooden tag or tablet used for writing in ancient times before paper became widespread. Over centuries, its meaning evolved to encompass paper tickets, cards, and eventually paper money.

財布の中にお札がありません。(I have no bills in my wallet.)

The pronunciation is strictly 'osatsu' when referring to money. Interestingly, the exact same kanji combination, お札, can also be read as 'ofuda', which means a Shinto or Buddhist talisman or charm. Context is usually more than enough to distinguish between the two; if you are at a shrine, it is an ofuda, but if you are at a cash register, it is an osatsu.
Formal vs Informal
While お札 is the standard conversational term, the more formal, economic, or legal term for paper money is 紙幣 (shihei). You will hear shihei on the news or read it in financial documents.

この自動販売機は千円のお札しか使えません。(This vending machine only takes 1000-yen bills.)

When discussing the physical condition of the bills, you might hear terms like ピン札 (pinsatsu), which refers to a crisp, brand-new bill. These are traditionally required when giving monetary gifts at weddings (ご祝儀 - goshuugi). Conversely, torn or dirty bills are generally frowned upon in formal gift-giving situations.
Counting Bills
Bills are flat objects, so they are counted using the counter 枚 (mai). One bill is 一枚 (ichi-mai), two bills are 二枚 (ni-mai), and so on.

一万円のお札を崩してください。(Please break this 10,000-yen bill.)

風でお札が飛んでいきました。(The bill blew away in the wind.)

レジでお札を数える。(Count the bills at the register.)

Understanding how to use and refer to お札 correctly will significantly smooth your daily interactions in Japan, from buying a simple drink to managing complex financial transactions at a local bank.
Using the word お札 (osatsu) correctly involves knowing the common verbs and particles that associate with it in daily Japanese conversation. Because it is a physical object representing value, the verbs most commonly used with it relate to handling, exchanging, and spending. One of the most critical phrases to learn is お札を崩す (osatsu o kuzusu), which means to break a bill into smaller denominations or coins. This is incredibly useful when you only have a 10,000-yen note but need to pay for a small item or use a machine that only accepts coins.
Verb: Kuzusu
崩す (kuzusu) literally means to destroy or break down. In the context of money, it means breaking a large bill into smaller change.

すみません、このお札を崩せますか。(Excuse me, can you break this bill?)

Another common verb is 数える (kazoeru), meaning to count. Bank tellers and cashiers will often count bills out loud in front of you to ensure transparency. You might hear them say, 'お札を数えさせていただきます' (I will now count the bills).
Verb: Kazoeru
数える is used for counting items. When combined with お札, it refers to the physical act of counting paper money.

店員がお札を丁寧に数えた。(The clerk carefully counted the bills.)

When inserting a bill into a machine, the verb 入れる (ireru - to put in/insert) is used. For example, '自動販売機にお札を入れる' (insert a bill into the vending machine). Conversely, when a machine rejects a bill, you might say 'お札が戻ってきた' (the bill came back/was returned).
Machine Interactions
Vending machines and ticket machines are ubiquitous in Japan. Knowing how to say a bill is stuck or rejected is vital.

機械がお札を読み取らない。(The machine won't read the bill.)

古いお札は使えません。(Old bills cannot be used.)

新しいお札に両替したいです。(I want to exchange this for a new bill.)

Furthermore, when giving money as a gift, such as at a wedding, it is customary to use crisp, new bills, known as ピン札 (pinsatsu) or 新札 (shinsatsu). You would go to a bank and ask to exchange your regular bills for new ones. The phrase would be '新札に両替してください' (Please exchange these for new bills). Understanding these nuances of how to use and talk about お札 will make your financial interactions in Japan much smoother and culturally appropriate.
You will hear the word お札 (osatsu) in a wide variety of everyday contexts in Japan, primarily anywhere that transactions take place. The most common location is at retail stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores (konbini). When you hand over a large bill, the cashier might confirm the amount by saying, '一万円札からお預かりします' (I am receiving a 10,000 yen bill from you). If a self-checkout machine is malfunctioning, a staff member might inform you, '現在、お札はご利用いただけません' (Currently, bills cannot be used).
Convenience Stores
Konbini are the hub of daily life. You will frequently hear staff confirming the type of bill you handed them.

レジでお札が詰まりました。(A bill got jammed in the register.)

Train stations are another major hotspot for this vocabulary. When buying tickets at a machine or charging your IC card (like Suica or Pasmo), you might encounter signs or voice prompts regarding the insertion of bills. If you try to use a 10,000-yen note in a machine that only takes 1,000-yen notes, you will need to find a way to break your bill.
Train Stations
Ticket machines often have specific slots for coins and bills. Look for the slot marked お札 or 紙幣.

券売機にお札を入れます。(Insert the bill into the ticket machine.)

Banks and post offices are naturally places where you will hear お札 used frequently. Whether you are withdrawing money, depositing cash, or exchanging foreign currency, the tellers will use this word. They might ask how you want your withdrawal broken down, for example, '千円札は何枚になさいますか' (How many 1000-yen bills would you like?).
Banking Contexts
In banks, you will hear both the conversational お札 and the formal 紙幣 depending on the context and the teller's politeness level.

銀行でお札を新券に替える。(Exchange bills for new ones at the bank.)

偽造のお札に注意してください。(Please be careful of counterfeit bills.)

財布からお札を取り出す。(Take a bill out of the wallet.)

You might also hear it in news reports, particularly when discussing the introduction of new banknote designs. Japan periodically updates its currency to prevent counterfeiting, and during these times, the media will constantly talk about 新しいお札 (atarashii osatsu - new bills) and the historical figures featured on them. Being familiar with this word helps you navigate both daily chores and broader societal conversations in Japan.
One of the most frequent and sometimes embarrassing mistakes learners make with the word お札 is confusing its pronunciation and meaning based on context. The kanji 札 with the honorific お can be read as either 'osatsu' (banknote) or 'ofuda' (a Shinto or Buddhist talisman). If you go to a shrine and ask to buy an 'osatsu', the shrine maiden might be very confused, thinking you are trying to exchange money rather than purchase a protective charm. Conversely, if you are at a store and say your 'ofuda' is stuck in the machine, it sounds like you jammed a wooden talisman into the cash register.
Osatsu vs Ofuda
Always remember: Osatsu = Money. Ofuda = Shrine Charm. The kanji is identical, so pronunciation is your only differentiator in speech.

神社でお札(おふだ)を買いました。(I bought a charm at the shrine.)

Another common mistake involves the counter used for bills. Because bills are money, learners sometimes try to use generic counters like 個 (ko) or even the counter for money amounts (円 - en) incorrectly. The correct counter for flat, thin objects like paper money is 枚 (mai). Saying 'お札が二個あります' (I have two bills - using 'ko') sounds very unnatural. You must say 'お札が二枚あります' (osatsu ga ni-mai arimasu).
Counting Mistakes
Never use 個 (ko) or 本 (hon) for bills. Always use 枚 (mai).

千円のお札が3枚必要です。(I need three 1000-yen bills.)

Learners also sometimes confuse お札 with 紙幣 (shihei). While they mean the same thing, their register is different. Using 紙幣 in casual conversation with a friend (e.g., '紙幣を貸して' - lend me a banknote) sounds overly stiff and academic, like you are reading from an economics textbook. Stick to お札 for daily conversation.
Register Confusion
Osatsu is conversational. Shihei is formal/written. Do not mix them up in casual speech.

友達にお札を借りた。(I borrowed a bill from a friend.)

間違えてお札を破ってしまった。(I accidentally tore the bill.)

このお札は偽物かもしれない。(This bill might be fake.)

Finally, be careful not to confuse お札 with 硬貨 (kouka - coins) or 小銭 (kozeni - small change). If a sign says 'お札のみ' (bills only), do not try to insert coins. Mastering these distinctions will prevent awkward situations and ensure your Japanese sounds natural and contextually accurate.
When expanding your vocabulary around money in Japanese, you will encounter several words that are similar to or related to お札 (osatsu). The most direct synonym is 紙幣 (shihei), which translates literally to 'paper money'. As mentioned earlier, 紙幣 is the formal, technical term used in banking, news, and official documents. For example, the Bank of Japan issues '日本銀行券' (Nippon Ginko-ken), which is the hyper-official term for Japanese banknotes, but the news will refer to them generally as 紙幣.
Shihei (紙幣)
The formal equivalent of osatsu. Used in writing, news, and formal banking contexts.

新しい紙幣が発行された。(New banknotes were issued.)

Another related term is 現金 (genkin), which means 'cash'. This encompasses both bills (お札) and coins (硬貨). In a society that is slowly transitioning to cashless payments (キャッシュレス - kyasshuresu), you will often see signs at smaller restaurants or traditional shops that say '現金のみ' (genkin nomi - cash only).
Genkin (現金)
Means cash in general. Includes both paper money and coins.

支払いは現金でお願いします。(Please pay in cash.)

If you have a large amount of bills, you might use the word 札束 (satsutaba), which means a wad or bundle of cash. This word often appears in crime dramas or movies when a briefcase full of money is opened. It carries a slightly dramatic or colloquial nuance.
Satsutaba (札束)
A bundle or wad of bills. Usually implies a large, thick stack of money.

机の上に札束が置いてある。(There is a wad of cash on the desk.)

細かいお金がありますか。(Do you have small change?)

この店はキャッシュしか使えない。(This store only takes cash.)

You might also hear the English loanword キャッシュ (kyasshu), which is becoming increasingly common, especially in phrases like キャッシュカード (cash card/ATM card) or キャッシュレス (cashless). However, when referring to the physical paper item itself, お札 remains the most natural and widely understood term in everyday Japanese conversation. Understanding these synonyms and related terms allows you to navigate financial conversations with greater precision and cultural awareness.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Counting flat objects with 枚 (mai).

Using the potential form (崩せる / 崩せます) to ask for change.

Using しか + negative to express 'only' (千円札しかありません).

Using てもらう to ask for a favor (崩してもらえませんか).

Noun modification (千円のお札 - a 1000 yen bill).

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Exemples par niveau

1

お札があります。

I have a bill.

Noun + があります (indicates possession/existence for inanimate objects).

2

これはお札です。

This is a bill.

これ (this) + は (topic marker) + Noun + です (copula).

3

お札をください。

Please give me a bill.

Noun + を (object marker) + ください (please give me).

4

お札がありません。

I don't have any bills.

Noun + がありません (negative of あります).

5

千円のお札です。

It is a 1000 yen bill.

Noun + の (modifier) + Noun.

6

お札を見ます。

I look at the bill.

Noun + を + 見ます (verb: to see/look).

7

お札、いいですか？

Is a bill okay?

Casual phrasing: Noun + いいですか (is it good/okay?).

8

お札とコインです。

Bills and coins.

Noun + と (and) + Noun.

1

このお札を崩してください。

Please break this bill.

Verb te-form (崩して) + ください (request).

2

自動販売機にお札を入れました。

I put a bill into the vending machine.

Place + に (target) + Object + を + Verb past tense (入れました).

3

お札が二枚あります。

I have two bills.

Noun + が + Counter (枚) + あります.

4

古いお札は使えません。

You cannot use old bills.

Adjective (古い) + Noun + は + Potential negative verb (使えません).

5

財布からお札を出します。

I take a bill out of my wallet.

Source + から (from) + Object + を + Verb (出します).

6

お札を数えてください。

Please count the bills.

Verb te-form (数えて) + ください.

7

千円札しかありません。

I only have 1000 yen bills.

Noun + しか + Negative verb (ありません) meaning 'only'.

8

お札が落ちましたよ。

You dropped a bill.

Verb past tense (落ちました) + よ (particle for new information).

1

機械にお札を入れたんですが、戻ってきました。

I put a bill in the machine, but it came back.

Verb past + んですが (explanatory/softening conjunction) + Verb past.

2

銀行で新しいお札に両替しました。

I exchanged it for new bills at the bank.

Place + で (action location) + Noun + に (target state) + Verb.

3

日本ではまだお札を使う機会が多いです。

There are still many opportunities to use bills in Japan.

Noun modifying Noun (お札を使う機会) + が多いです.

4

結婚式のためにピン札を用意しなければなりません。

I have to prepare crisp new bills for the wedding.

Noun + のために (for the purpose of) + Verb negative + なければなりません (must do).

5

お札が破れてしまったら、銀行で交換できます。

If a bill gets torn, you can exchange it at the bank.

Verb te-form + しまったら (if unfortunately happens) + Potential verb.

6

海外旅行の前に、ドルのお札を準備した。

I prepared dollar bills before my trip abroad.

Noun + の前に (before) + Verb past tense.

7

レジでお札を数え間違えないように注意する。

I am careful not to miscount the bills at the register.

Verb negative + ように (so as not to) + 注意する (be careful).

8

このお札は偽物かもしれないと疑った。

I suspected this bill might be a fake.

Noun + かもしれない (might be) + と (quotation) + Verb past.

1

キャッシュレス決済の普及により、お札を持ち歩く人が減っている。

Due to the spread of cashless payments, fewer people are carrying bills.

Noun + により (due to) + Verb present progressive (減っている).

2

新しいお札には、最新の偽造防止技術が使われています。

The latest anti-counterfeiting technology is used in the new bills.

Noun + には (as for in) + Passive verb (使われています).

3

彼は財布から分厚い札束を取り出し、テーブルに置いた。

He took a thick wad of bills from his wallet and placed it on the table.

Verb stem (取り出し) used as a conjunction + Verb past.

4

お札の肖像画が誰になるかは、常に大きな話題になります。

Who will become the portrait on the bills is always a big topic.

Embedded question (誰になるか) + は + Noun + になります.

5

災害時には電子決済が使えなくなるため、ある程度のお札が必要です。

Because electronic payments become unusable during disasters, a certain amount of bills is necessary.

Noun + 時には (at the time of) + Verb potential negative + ため (because).

6

ATMでお札を下ろす際、手数料がかかる時間帯がある。

There are times when a fee is charged when withdrawing bills at an ATM.

Verb dictionary form + 際 (when/at the time of) + Noun modifying Noun.

7

その店は現金商売なので、毎日大量のお札を銀行に入金する。

Because that shop does cash business, they deposit a large amount of bills into the bank every day.

Noun + なので (because it is) + Verb dictionary form.

8

お札のデザインが一新されるのは、約20年ぶりのことです。

It has been about 20 years since the design of the bills was completely renewed.

Verb passive + のは (the act of) + Noun + ぶりのことです (first time in X years).

1

中央銀行は市場に大量のお札を供給することで、デフレからの脱却を図った。

The central bank attempted to break out of deflation by supplying a massive amount of bills to the market.

Verb dictionary form + ことで (by doing) + Noun + を図った (attempted).

2

渋沢栄一が新しい一万円札の顔として選ばれた背景には、彼の経済的功績がある。

Behind the selection of Eiichi Shibusawa as the face of the new 10,000 yen bill lies his economic achievements.

Noun modifying Noun + 背景には (in the background of) + Noun + がある.

3

彼は札束で頬を叩くようなやり方で、強引に交渉をまとめた。

He forcefully concluded the negotiation with an approach akin to slapping someone's cheek with a wad of bills.

Idiom (札束で頬を叩く) + ような (like) + Noun.

4

紙幣の価値は、それを発行する国家の信用によって担保されているに過ぎない。

The value of paper money is merely guaranteed by the credit of the state that issues it.

Noun + によって (by) + Passive verb + ているに過ぎない (is nothing more than).

5

インフレが進行すれば、お札はただの紙切れ同然になってしまう恐れがある。

If inflation progresses, there is a fear that bills will become no different from mere scraps of paper.

Verb conditional (進行すれば) + Noun + 同然 (same as) + 恐れがある (there is a fear that).

6

タンス預金として家庭内に眠っているお札の総額は、天文学的な数字に上るという。

It is said that the total amount of bills lying dormant in homes as 'wardrobe savings' reaches an astronomical figure.

Verb te-iru form modifying Noun + は + Noun + に上る (reaches) + という (it is said).

7

偽札の流通を防ぐため、すかしやホログラムなど、お札には高度な技術が凝らされている。

To prevent the circulation of counterfeit bills, advanced technologies such as watermarks and holograms are elaborately applied to the bills.

Verb dictionary form + ため (in order to) + Passive verb (凝らされている).

8

古いお札を収集する愛好家にとって、その保存状態は価値を大きく左右する要因だ。

For collectors of old bills, the state of preservation is a factor that greatly influences the value.

Noun + にとって (for) + Noun + を左右する (influences) + 要因 (factor).

1

貨幣の歴史を紐解けば、お札という実体を持たない信用創造の産物が、いかに人類の経済活動を飛躍させたかが理解できる。

If we unravel the history of money, we can understand how the product of credit creation lacking physical substance—the banknote—has dramatically advanced human economic activity.

Verb conditional (紐解けば) + Embedded question (いかに...させたか) + が理解できる.

2

近代国家の成立過程において、統一されたお札の発行は、中央集権化と国民意識の醸成に不可欠な装置であった。

In the process of establishing a modern state, the issuance of unified banknotes was an indispensable mechanism for centralization and the cultivation of national consciousness.

Noun + において (in/during) + Noun + に不可欠な (indispensable to) + Noun.

3

文学作品において、汚れたお札はしばしば人間の欲望や資本主義社会の暗部を象徴するメタファーとして機能する。

In literary works, dirty bills often function as a metaphor symbolizing human desire and the dark underbelly of capitalist society.

Noun + において (in) + Noun + を象徴する (symbolizing) + メタファーとして機能する (functions as a metaphor).

4

量的金融緩和政策により市中に溢れ返ったお札が、実体経済を伴わない資産バブルを惹起しているとの批判は根強い。

There is deep-rooted criticism that the bills overflowing in the market due to quantitative easing policies are inducing an asset bubble unaccompanied by the real economy.

Verb past modifying Noun + が + Noun + を惹起している (is inducing) + との批判は根強い (criticism that... is deep-rooted).

5

完全なデジタル通貨への移行が議論される昨今、物理的なお札が持つ匿名性と追跡不可能性の価値が逆説的に見直されている。

These days, as the transition to a fully digital currency is debated, the value of the anonymity and untraceability possessed by physical bills is paradoxically being reevaluated.

Noun + が議論される昨今 (these days when... is debated) + Noun + が逆説的に見直されている (is paradoxically being reevaluated).

6

江戸時代の藩札から明治の不換紙幣に至るまで、日本のお札の変遷は、そのまま国家の信用不安と克服の歴史である。

From the clan notes of the Edo period to the fiat money of the Meiji era, the transition of Japanese bills is exactly the history of the nation's credit crises and their overcoming.

Noun + から + Noun + に至るまで (from... leading up to...) + Noun + はそのまま...の歴史である (is exactly the history of...).

7

彼の遺品から見つかった旧紙幣の束は、激動の昭和を生き抜いた一人の男の、言葉なき証言のようであった。

The bundle of old banknotes found among his belongings seemed like the silent testimony of a man who survived the turbulent Showa era.

Noun + から見つかった (found from) + Noun + のようであった (seemed like).

8

法定通貨としての地位を脅かされつつあるお札だが、その精緻な凹版印刷の美しさは、もはや一種の芸術品と言って過言ではない。

Although bills are having their status as legal tender threatened, it is no exaggeration to say that the beauty of their intricate intaglio printing is already a kind of artwork.

Verb passive + つつある (is in the process of being) + Noun + だが (although) + Noun + と言って過言ではない (it is no exaggeration to say).

Collocations courantes

お札を崩す (break a bill)
お札を数える (count bills)
お札を入れる (insert a bill)
お札を出す (take out a bill)
お札が破れる (a bill tears)
お札が詰まる (a bill gets jammed)
新しいお札 (new bill)
古いお札 (old bill)
千円のお札 (1000 yen bill)
偽造のお札 (counterfeit bill)

Phrases Courantes

このお札、崩せますか (Can you break this bill?)
お札が使えません (Bills cannot be used)
お札が戻ってきた (The bill came back)
お札のみ (Bills only)
お札を両替する (Exchange bills)
お札を新券にする (Get new bills)
お札を落とした (Dropped a bill)
お札を拾った (Found a bill)
お札が足りない (Not enough bills/money)
お札の向きを揃える (Align the direction of the bills)

Souvent confondu avec

お札 vs お札 (ofuda - Shinto/Buddhist charm. Same kanji, different pronunciation and meaning.)

お札 vs 硬貨 (kouka - coins. The opposite of paper money.)

お札 vs 礼 (rei - thanks/bow. Visually similar kanji.)

Expressions idiomatiques

"札束で頬を叩く (Slap someone's cheek with a wad of bills - use money to force someone)"
"札付き (Notorious/having a bad reputation - derived from a different meaning of satsu)"
"太鼓判を押す (Give a seal of approval - related to official seals on documents/money)"
"金に糸目をつけない (Spend money recklessly)"
"金は天下の回り物 (Money comes and goes)"
"地獄の沙汰も金次第 (Money talks / Even hell's judgments depend on money)"
"時は金なり (Time is money)"
"金の切れ目が縁の切れ目 (When the money runs out, the relationship ends)"
"猫に小判 (Gold coins to a cat - pearls before swine)"
"濡れ手で粟 (Making money easily without effort)"

Facile à confondre

お札 vs

お札 vs

お札 vs

お札 vs

お札 vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

politeness

The 'o' in osatsu is a beautification honorific (bikago). It is almost always used by both men and women in daily speech.

kanji similarity

Be careful not to confuse 札 (satsu - note) with 礼 (rei - thanks/bow). 札 has a tree radical (木) on the left, while 礼 has a spirit radical (礻).

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 個 (ko) to count bills.

    Japanese uses specific counters based on the shape of the object. Bills are flat and thin, so they require the counter 枚 (mai).

  • Pronouncing it as 'ofuda' when talking about money.

    While the kanji is the same, 'ofuda' refers to a religious charm. Using 'ofuda' at a cash register will confuse the staff.

  • Using 紙幣 (shihei) in casual conversation.

    紙幣 is a formal, written word. Using it with friends or at a convenience store sounds unnaturally stiff, like reading from an economics textbook.

  • Saying お札を切る (osatsu o kiru) to mean 'break a bill'.

    In English, we 'break' a bill. In Japanese, the verb is 崩す (kuzusu - to break down/crumble). 切る (kiru) means to physically cut it with scissors.

  • Confusing お札 with 硬貨 (kouka).

    If a machine says 'お札のみ' (bills only), do not try to insert coins. They are distinct categories of money.

Astuces

Always use Mai

Never forget to use the counter 枚 (mai) when talking about quantities of bills. Saying 'お札が二つ' (two bills using generic counter) sounds very strange to native ears. Practice saying 'ichi-mai, ni-mai, san-mai' to build the habit. This counter is also used for tickets, shirts, and paper.

Kuzusu is Key

The verb 崩す (kuzusu) is your best friend when traveling in Japan. It literally means to destroy or break down, but with money, it means to get change. Memorize the phrase 'お札を崩す' (break a bill). It will save you when you need coins for a bus or a locker.

The Cash Tray

When paying with お札 at a store, do not hand the money directly into the cashier's hand. Look for a small plastic or rubber tray on the counter. Place your bills and coins neatly on this tray. The cashier will also return your change on this tray.

Flat Pitch Accent

The pitch accent for お札 is heiban (flat). It starts low on 'o', goes high on 'sa', and stays high on 'tsu'. Do not drop the pitch at the end. Incorrect pitch won't prevent understanding, but correct pitch makes you sound much more natural.

Kanji Warning

Pay close attention to the kanji 札 (satsu). It looks incredibly similar to 礼 (rei - bow/thanks). 札 has the tree radical (木) on the left. 礼 has the spirit radical (礻). Mixing them up in writing changes the meaning entirely.

Osatsu vs Ofuda

Remember that お札 can be read as 'ofuda' (shrine charm). If you are reading a text about visiting a temple, read it as ofuda. If the text is about shopping or banks, read it as osatsu. Context dictates the pronunciation.

Clean Money

Japanese people generally treat physical money with respect. Try to keep your お札 relatively flat in a wallet rather than crumpling them into a ball in your pocket. Handing over a heavily crumpled or torn bill is considered slightly rude.

Keep 1000 Yen Bills

The 1000 yen bill (千円札) is the most useful denomination for a traveler. Many local buses, small vending machines, and coin lockers will not accept 5000 or 10000 yen bills. Always try to break your large bills at convenience stores when you buy small items.

When to use Shihei

If you are taking a Japanese test (like the JLPT) or reading a newspaper, you will see 紙幣 (shihei) instead of お札. Know that they mean the exact same thing. However, do not use shihei when speaking casually with friends or shop staff.

Cashier Phrases

When you hand a 10,000 yen bill to a cashier, listen for them to say '一万円からお預かりします' (I am receiving from 10,000 yen). This is standard manual keigo (polite manual speech) used in retail. They are confirming the type of お札 you gave them.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Oh! SATSUrday is payday, time to get my OSATSU (bills)!

Origine du mot

Japanese

Contexte culturel

Do not hand bills directly to the cashier. Place them on the small plastic tray provided.

Japanese bills are rarely heavily crumpled or written on. Keep them neat in a long wallet.

Always use new bills (pinsatsu) for happy occasions like weddings. Use old bills for funerals.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"すみません、一万円のお札しか無いんですが、いいですか？ (Excuse me, I only have a 10,000 yen bill, is that okay?)"

"新しいお札のデザイン、どう思いますか？ (What do you think of the new banknote designs?)"

"細かいお札に崩してもらえませんか？ (Could you break this into smaller bills for me?)"

"日本ではまだお札をよく使いますか？ (Do you still use paper money often in Japan?)"

"お札が自販機に吸い込まれてしまいました！ (My bill got swallowed by the vending machine!)"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you had trouble using a large bill in a foreign country.

What do you think about the transition from physical bills to digital money?

Research the historical figures on Japanese bills and write a short summary about one of them.

Explain the cultural rules of giving money (new bills vs old bills) in Japan.

Write a dialogue between a customer and a cashier where the customer needs to break a 10,000 yen bill.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

They both mean banknote or paper money. お札 is the conversational, everyday word you use when shopping or talking to friends. 紙幣 is the formal, technical word used in banking, news, and official documents. You would not use 紙幣 when asking a cashier to break a bill. Stick to お札 for daily life.

Because bills are flat, thin objects, you must use the counter 枚 (mai). One bill is 一枚 (ichi-mai), two bills are 二枚 (ni-mai), three bills are 三枚 (san-mai), and so on. Do not use the generic counter 個 (ko) or the counter for long objects 本 (hon). Using the correct counter makes your Japanese sound much more natural.

Yes, the exact same kanji (お札) can be pronounced as 'ofuda'. An ofuda is a paper or wooden talisman/charm you buy at a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple for protection. Context is key: if you are at a shrine, it's an ofuda. If you are paying for groceries, it's an osatsu.

The most common and natural verb to use is 崩す (kuzusu), which means to break down. You can say 'このお札を崩せますか？' (Kono osatsu o kuzusemasu ka?), which means 'Can you break this bill?'. This is very useful when you only have a 10,000 yen note for a small purchase.

Japan currently has four denominations of banknotes in circulation. They are the 1000 yen (千円札), 2000 yen (二千円札), 5000 yen (五千円札), and 10000 yen (一万円札) bills. The 2000 yen bill is quite rare and you may not see one during a short trip. The 10000 yen bill is very common and widely accepted.

Most small drink vending machines on the street only accept 1000 yen bills and coins. They will reject 5000 and 10000 yen bills. However, ticket machines at train stations and machines in convenience stores usually accept all denominations. Always check the machine for a sign that says '千円札のみ' (1000 yen bills only).

ピン札 (pinsatsu) or 新札 (shinsatsu) refers to a brand new, crisp, uncreased bill. In Japanese culture, it is customary to give pinsatsu when presenting money as a gift for happy occasions, such as weddings or New Year's money for children. You can get these by exchanging old bills at a bank.

While Japan has made massive strides toward cashless payments (credit cards, IC cards, QR codes) in recent years, cash is still widely used. Many small restaurants, rural shops, and traditional temples only accept cash (現金のみ - genkin nomi). It is always highly recommended to carry some お札 with you.

If a ticket machine or ATM takes your bill but doesn't register it, look for an intercom button (usually marked 呼出 - yobidashi) to call staff. You can tell them '機械にお札を入れたんですが、出てきません' (I put a bill in the machine, but it won't come out). They will come and open the machine to help you.

The 'o' (お) is an honorific prefix known as bikago (beautified language). It is added to certain words to make speech sound more polite and refined. Because money is important, it traditionally receives this honorific. Saying just 'satsu' sounds a bit blunt or rough in everyday polite conversation.

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