送金する

§ What it means and when to use it

Let's break down the Japanese verb 送金する (sōkin suru). Simply put, it means 'to send money' or 'to transfer funds'. It's a very practical verb you'll hear and use often, especially if you're dealing with finances in Japan, whether personal or business-related.

DEFINITION

To send money; to transfer funds.

You'll typically use 送金する when money is moving from one place to another electronically or through a bank. This isn't usually for small cash transactions like buying groceries. Think bigger transfers: paying rent, sending money home, settling business invoices, or even sending a gift of money to family.

The verb 送金する is made up of two kanji: 送 (sō) meaning 'to send' and 金 (kin) meaning 'money'. So, literally, it's 'send money'. The する (suru) part makes it a verb, allowing you to conjugate it and use it in sentences.

Here are some common scenarios where you would use 送金する:

• Paying an international bill from Japan.
• Sending your salary from a Japanese bank account to an overseas account.
• A company transferring funds to a supplier.
• Someone sending money to a relative who lives far away.

It's a straightforward verb, but understanding its nuances in context will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

So, when you're dealing with financial transactions that involve moving money between accounts or to a recipient via a service, 送金する is the verb you want to use. It's concise, clear, and commonly understood in such contexts. Don't confuse it with just 'giving' money, which would be 渡す (watasu) or あげる (ageru), or simply 'sending' an object, which is 送る (okuru). 送金する is specifically for money transfers.

Mastering this verb will immediately make your conversations about finances in Japanese more accurate and professional. Pay attention to how it's used in real-world contexts, like at banks or when discussing payments, and you'll quickly get the hang of it.

Let's break down how to use 送金する (sōkinsuru) in Japanese sentences. This verb is super practical for talking about sending money, whether it's for bills, family, or anything else.

§ Basic Sentence Structure with 送金する

The most common way to use 送金する is with the particle に (ni) to indicate the recipient or destination of the money, and を (o) to indicate the money itself (though often implied). Remember, 送金する literally means "to send money," so you're directly performing the action of sending.

Japanese structure

[Recipient/Destination] に [Money/Funds] を 送金する

While you can explicitly state the amount of money with を, it's often omitted if the context makes it clear, or if you're talking about the act of sending money generally.

Translation hint: I need to send money to the bank.

Translation hint: He sends money to his family every month.

§ Specifying the Amount or Purpose

You can easily include the amount of money or the purpose of the transfer. The amount usually comes before を, and the purpose can be indicated with particles like のために (no tame ni - for the purpose of) or just by context.

Translation hint: I sent 10,000 yen to the account.

Translation hint: My parents sent money for my tuition.

§ Using 送金する with Other Particles

While に is the most common, you might see other particles depending on the nuance:

• から (kara): To indicate the source from which the money is sent. Less common directly with 送金する as it often implies sending from, not just to.

• で (de): To indicate the method or means of transfer (e.g., bank transfer). This often combines with other verbs like 支払う (shiharau - to pay) or 振り込む (furikomu - to transfer money).

Translation hint: I sent money from the bank.

§ Common Phrases and Usage Scenarios

Here are some common ways you'll hear or use 送金する:

• 海外送金 (kaigai sōkin): International money transfer. You'll often see this as a noun, but you can say 海外に送金する (kaigai ni sōkin suru - to send money overseas).

• 送金手続き (sōkin tetsuzuki): Money transfer procedure.

• 送金依頼 (sōkin irai): Money transfer request.

Translation hint: He is looking for a way to send money overseas.

Translation hint: The money transfer procedure has been completed.

Keep practicing with these structures, and you'll be confidently using 送金する in no time!

§ What "送金する" Means in Daily Life

You've learned that 送金する (sōkinsuru) means "to send money" or "to transfer funds." Now, let's see where you'll actually hear and use this verb in practical situations. It's a B1 CEFR word, so it's common enough to pop up in everyday Japanese conversations, especially when dealing with finances.

§ In a Work Setting

In a business environment, you'll hear 送金する frequently. This could be related to paying invoices, sending salaries, or transferring funds between company accounts. It's a standard term in finance and accounting departments.

Hint

I will transfer the payment to our business partner this week.

Hint

I want to send my salary to my family overseas, what should I do?

When you're dealing with international transfers, especially for work, you might hear about different fees or methods:

• 手数料 (tesūryō): service fee
• 銀行振込 (ginkō furikomi): bank transfer
• 海外送金 (kaigai sōkin): international money transfer

§ In Everyday Conversations and News

Beyond the office, 送金する is part of everyday financial discussions. You might hear it when people talk about sending money to family members, paying for online purchases, or even in news reports about financial crimes or aid. It's a very practical verb.

Hint

I sent my son money for his tuition fees.

In news headlines or articles, you'll often see it in contexts like:

Hint

A scam group made the victim send money.

Notice the causative form (送金させた - sōkinsaseta), indicating that someone was made to send money. This is a common construction in news reports when describing actions by criminals.

§ Understanding Related Terms

While 送金する is specific to money, it's good to know other verbs for sending things:

• 送る (okuru): a general verb for sending anything (letters, packages, people)
• 郵送する (yūsōsuru): to send by mail
• 発送する (hassōsuru): to dispatch, to send out (often for goods)

By understanding these contexts, you can confidently use 送金する in your Japanese conversations and comprehend it when you encounter it in written or spoken Japanese. It's a key verb for discussing financial transactions in Japan.

§ Understanding 送金する (sōkinsuru)

When you want to talk about sending money in Japanese, the most direct and common verb you'll encounter is 送金する (sōkinsuru). This word specifically refers to the act of transferring funds, usually through a bank or a similar financial institution. Think of it as 'to remit' or 'to wire money.' It's a very practical and widely understood term, especially in business or official contexts, but also perfectly fine for personal use.

Definition

To send money; to transfer funds.

I sent money to my family from the bank.

Sending money overseas incurs a fee.

§ Alternatives to 送金する and Their Nuances

While 送金する is your go-to for most money transfer situations, Japanese has other words that can sometimes be used. However, they carry different nuances, so it's important to understand when to use which.

• 支払う (shiharau)

  To pay.

  This is a broader term for 'to pay' for goods or services. While sending money might be part of making a payment, 支払う focuses on the act of settling a debt or obligation, rather than just the transfer of funds itself.

  家賃を支払う。

  To pay the rent.

• 渡す (watasu)

  To hand over; to pass over.

  This verb means 'to hand over' or 'to pass over' something. You could use it if you are physically handing cash to someone, but it doesn't imply a bank transfer. It's more general and can apply to handing over objects, not just money.

  彼に本を渡した。

  I handed him the book.

  友達にお金を渡す。

  To hand over money to a friend (in person).

• 送る (okuru)

  To send.

  This is a very general verb for 'to send' anything – mail, messages, gifts, etc. While you could technically use it for money, 送金する is much more specific and appropriate for financial transfers. Using 送る for money might sound a bit vague, as if you're just sending a package that happens to contain money.

  手紙を送る。

  To send a letter.

§ When to Choose 送金する

In most situations where you are moving money from one account to another, or specifically talking about a financial remittance, 送金する is the correct and clearest choice. It's the most precise term for the action of 'sending funds' or 'making a money transfer.' Always opt for 送金する when:

• You are transferring money via a bank, online service, or any financial institution.
• You are talking about international remittances.
• You need to be clear that you are talking about a formal transfer of money.
• You are discussing transaction fees or exchange rates related to sending money.

For example, if you're at a bank and want to send money to a relative, you would definitely use 送金する. If you're paying a bill, you would use 支払う. If you're just handing your friend some cash for lunch, 渡す is more natural. And if you're sending a package with some cash tucked inside, you'd probably use 送る for the package, but for the money itself, 送金する would only apply if it was a formal transfer.