When you learn Japanese, you'll find words like 小銭 (kozeni) very useful. This word refers to 'coins' or 'small change.' It's something you'll use every day, whether you're paying for things or talking about money. Think of it as the opposite of paper money. So, when you hear someone talk about 小銭, they're talking about those metal discs in your pocket or purse.
When you're out and about in Japan, you'll often hear the word 小銭 (kozeni). This simply means 'coins' or 'small change.' It's a handy word to know, especially when you're paying for things at convenience stores or using vending machines.
It's different from just saying 'money' (お金 - okane) because 小銭 specifically refers to the coins you carry. For example, if you're trying to pay for something and only have a large bill, you might ask, 'Do you have 小銭?'
When discussing money in Japanese, you'll encounter two main terms: お金 (okane) for money in general, and 小銭 (kozeni) specifically for coins or small change. While お金 is a broad term covering all forms of currency, 小銭 refers to the physical metallic currency.
It's useful to distinguish between the two when asking for change or specifying what kind of money you're referring to. For instance, if you're looking for exact change, 小銭 might be the more appropriate term to use.
When discussing money in Japanese, you'll encounter two main terms: お金 (okane) for money in general, and 小銭 (kozeni) specifically for coins or small change. While both refer to currency, 小銭 emphasizes the physical form of coins, distinguishing it from banknotes or other forms of money.
For example, if you're emptying your pockets after a day out, you might say, 「ポケットから小銭が出てきた」 (poketto kara kozeni ga dete kita), meaning "Coins came out of my pocket." This highlights the physical aspect of the currency. The term can also imply a small amount of money, suggesting insignificance rather than just the form of currency.
You might hear someone say, 「小銭がない」 (kozeni ga nai) to indicate a lack of small change, perhaps for a vending machine or bus fare. Conversely, if you have an abundance of coins, you could express it as 「小銭がたくさんある」 (kozeni ga takusan aru), meaning "I have a lot of change."
Understanding this distinction is useful for everyday situations in Japan, from making small purchases to managing your wallet. While お金 is a general term, knowing when to use 小銭 adds a layer of precision to your Japanese communication.
小銭 30초 만에
- 小銭 (kozeni) means 'coins' or 'small change'.
- It refers to metallic currency of low value.
- Often used when talking about needing change for a purchase.
Hey everyone! Let's dive into another practical Japanese word today: 小銭 (kozeni). This is a super useful word for everyday life in Japan, and it basically means 'coins' or 'small change'. It's a CEFR A2 level word, so it's one you'll definitely want to get familiar with early on.
While you might learn words like 'お金 (okane)' for money in general, '小銭' specifically refers to the metal kind. Think about when you're paying for something and digging through your wallet for the exact amount – that's when you're looking for your 小銭.
- DEFINITION
- Coins; small change.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
You'll hear 小銭 (kozeni) in many common situations, especially when dealing with transactions or just talking about money in general. It's a word that pops up naturally in daily conversations, so mastering it will make your interactions much smoother.
Here are some common scenarios:
- At the store: When paying for groceries, snacks, or souvenirs, the cashier might ask if you have exact change, or you might ask if they can break a larger bill for you. This is where 小銭 comes in handy.
- Using vending machines: Japan is famous for its vending machines. Many of them only accept coins or certain denominations of bills, so knowing about 小銭 is essential here.
- Public transport: While IC cards are popular, you might still use coins for some bus fares or if you're buying a single ticket from a machine.
- Banks or ATMs: If you're exchanging money or depositing coins, you'll definitely encounter this term.
- Casual conversations: Friends might ask if you have any small change, or you might complain about having too many coins in your wallet.
すみません、小銭がありませんか？
(Excuse me, do you have small change?)
This is a polite way to ask someone if they have coins, perhaps if you need to make exact change or use a vending machine. It's a phrase you might hear or use quite often.
財布の中に小銭がたくさん入っている。
(There are a lot of coins in my wallet.)
A common complaint! Japanese coins can accumulate quickly, so this is a very relatable sentence.
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません。
(This vending machine only accepts coins.)
You'll definitely hear this when trying to buy a drink from an older vending machine that doesn't accept bills or cashless payments. It's a good reminder to always have some coins on hand!
銀行で小銭を両替しました。
(I exchanged coins at the bank.)
If you have too many small coins and want to get a bill, this is what you might say. Banks offer coin exchange services.
Understanding the distinction between general money and specific types of money like coins is key to sounding more natural in Japanese. Keep practicing these examples, and you'll be a pro in no time!
How Formal Is It?
"硬貨でのお支払いは可能でございますか？ (Kōka de no o-shiharai wa kanō de gozaimasu ka?) - Is it possible to pay with coins?"
"小銭、ありますか？ (Kozeni, arimasu ka?) - Do you have any change/coins?"
"ポケットにじゃらじゃら入ってる。 (Poketto ni jarajara haitteru.) - There's a lot of jangling coins in my pocket."
"お財布にちゃりんちゃりんがいっぱい！ (O-saifu ni charincharin ga ippai!) - My wallet is full of jingle-jangle coins!"
"そんなもん、一銭にもならねえよ。 (Sonnamon, issen ni mo naranee yo.) - That's not even worth a single coin/penny."
난이도
short word, common kanji
common kanji, easy strokes
simple pronunciation
clear, common sound
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Counting small objects: To count small, round objects like coins, the counter word 「枚 (mai)」 is often used. You attach it to a number. For example, 「五枚」 (go-mai) means five (small, flat objects). However, for coins, it's more common to just say the number followed by the currency unit (e.g., 「百円」 (hyaku-en) for 100 yen).
私は小銭を五枚持っています。(Watashi wa kozeni o go-mai motte imasu.) - I have five coins.
Expressing possession: To say you have something, you use the particle 「を (o)」 after the object, followed by 「持っています (motte imasu)」 or 「あります (arimasu)」. 「持っています」 implies personal possession, while 「あります」 is more general existence. For coins, both can be used depending on nuance.
財布に小銭があります。(Saifu ni kozeni ga arimasu.) - There are coins in my wallet.
Asking for change: When you want to ask for change, you can use the phrase 「お釣りはありますか (otsuri wa arimasu ka)?」 or specifically ask for coins using 「小銭はありますか (kozeni wa arimasu ka)?」.
お釣りは小銭でお願いします。(Otsuri wa kozeni de onegai shimasu.) - Please give me the change in coins.
Talking about lack of small change: If you don't have small change, you can say 「小銭がありません (kozeni ga arimasen)」. The particle 「が (ga)」 is used to mark the subject of a negative statement.
すみません、小銭がありません。(Sumimasen, kozeni ga arimasen.) - Excuse me, I don't have small change.
Using 'no ~' or 'without ~': To say 'no small change' or 'without small change' in a more descriptive way, you can use 「小銭なし (kozeni nashi)」, often in informal contexts, or 「小銭がない (kozeni ga nai)」 which is the informal form of 「小銭がありません」.
小銭なしで買い物に行きました。(Kozeni nashi de kaimono ni ikimashita.) - I went shopping without small change.
수준별 예문
小銭、ありますか？
Do you have small change?
お財布に小銭がない。
I don't have coins in my wallet.
このコーヒーは小銭で買える。
You can buy this coffee with coins.
小銭入れを使っています。
I use a coin purse.
バスでは小銭が必要です。
You need coins on the bus.
小銭がたくさんあります。
I have a lot of coins.
おつりは小銭です。
The change is coins.
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません。
This vending machine only takes coins.
小銭、持ってる？
Do you have change?
〜持ってる？ (motte 'ru): casual way of asking 'Do you have...?'
財布に小銭がたくさんある。
I have a lot of coins in my wallet.
〜に〜がある (ni ga aru): 'there is/are ... in ...'
このコーヒーは小銭で買える。
You can buy this coffee with coins.
〜で〜できる (de dekiru): 'can do ... with ...'
レジで小銭を出した。
I paid with coins at the register.
〜で〜を出す (de o dasu): 'to take out ... at ...'
小銭が足りない。
I don't have enough coins.
〜が足りない (ga tarinai): 'not enough ...'
小銭入れを買いたい。
I want to buy a coin purse.
〜を買いたい (o kaitai): 'want to buy ...'
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えない。
This vending machine only accepts coins.
〜しか〜ない (shika nai): 'only ... (negative)'
小銭を数える。
Count the coins.
〜を数える (o kazoeru): 'to count ...'
財布に小銭がたくさん入っていて重いです。
My wallet is heavy because it has a lot of small change in it.
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません。
This vending machine only takes coins.
小銭がないので、大きいお札で払ってもいいですか？
I don't have any small change, so can I pay with a large bill?
バスに乗るには、ちょうど300円の小銭が必要です。
You need exactly 300 yen in coins to ride the bus.
レジで小銭を数えるのに時間がかかりました。
It took some time to count the change at the register.
貯金箱にはもう小銭がいっぱいです。
The piggy bank is already full of coins.
このカフェでは小銭でチップを置く人が多いです。
Many people leave tips with coins at this cafe.
旅行中は、公共交通機関のためにいつも小銭を用意しています。
When traveling, I always keep small change ready for public transportation.
電車に乗るには小銭が必要です。
You need small change to ride the train.
財布に小銭がたくさん入っています。
I have a lot of coins in my wallet.
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません。
This vending machine only accepts coins.
小銭を貯金箱に入れています。
I'm putting coins in my piggy bank.
レジで小銭が足りなくて困りました。
I had trouble at the cash register because I didn't have enough change.
彼は小銭を集めるのが趣味です。
Collecting coins is his hobby.
このパン屋では小銭でパンが買えます。
You can buy bread with coins at this bakery.
ポケットに小銭が入っていたら、貸してください。
If you have any coins in your pocket, please lend them to me.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
財布に小銭がたくさんある。
There are a lot of coins in my wallet.
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません。
This vending machine only accepts coins.
1000円札を小銭にできますか？
Can I get change for a 1000 yen bill?
小銭が足りません。
I don't have enough change.
ポケットに小銭が入っていた。
There were coins in my pocket.
レジで小銭を探すのに時間がかかった。
It took time to find coins at the register.
募金箱に小銭を入れた。
I put coins in the donation box.
小銭をジャラジャラさせる。
To jingle coins.
小銭が増えて財布が重い。
My wallet is heavy with increasing coins.
小銭で買い物をした。
I bought something with coins.
자주 혼동되는 단어
Change received after a payment.
Formal term for a coin.
Loanword for coin.
문법 패턴
관용어 및 표현
"小銭がない"
I don't have any coins.
すみません、小銭がないので、大きいお札で払ってもいいですか？ (Excuse me, I don't have any coins, so can I pay with a large bill?)
neutral"小銭を崩す"
to break a larger bill into smaller change/coins
千円札を小銭に崩してください。 (Please break this 1000 yen bill into coins.)
neutral"小銭入れ"
coin purse
新しい小銭入れを買いました。 (I bought a new coin purse.)
neutral"小銭稼ぎ"
earning a small amount of money (often implying it's not a main income)
アルバイトで小銭稼ぎをしている。 (I'm earning a small amount of money with my part-time job.)
neutral"小銭貯金"
saving coins
毎日、お釣りの小銭を貯金箱に入れています。 (Every day, I put the change into my piggy bank.)
neutral"小銭がじゃらじゃらする"
coins jingle/rattle
ポケットの中で小銭がじゃらじゃらする。 (Coins are jingling in my pocket.)
neutral"小銭を握りしめる"
to clench coins in one's hand
子供は小銭を握りしめて、お菓子を買いに行った。 (The child clutched the coins and went to buy sweets.)
neutral"小銭一枚もない"
I don't have a single coin.
財布を見たら、小銭一枚もなかった。 (When I looked in my wallet, I didn't have a single coin.)
informal"小銭に困る"
to be short on coins/change
自動販売機で飲み物を買おうとしたが、小銭に困った。 (I tried to buy a drink from the vending machine, but I was short on coins.)
neutral"小銭を恵む"
to give coins (as charity or to a beggar)
道で物乞いに小銭を恵んだ。 (I gave coins to a beggar on the street.)
neutral혼동하기 쉬운
Both 小銭 and お釣り refer to money in smaller denominations. However, お釣り specifically refers to the change you receive after a transaction.
小銭 refers to coins in general, while お釣り is the change given back.
レジでお釣りをもらう。 (I receive change at the register.)
Both terms refer to coins. 小銭 is a more general and colloquial term, often implying small-value coins, or coins in general when you're talking about having them or not having them.
硬貨 is the more formal, technical term for a coin as a piece of currency. 小銭 is more about the practical aspect of having or needing coins.
日本には6種類の硬貨があります。 (There are 6 types of coins in Japan.)
This is a direct loanword from English 'coin' and refers to coins.
コイン is a direct loanword and can be used interchangeably with 硬貨 in many contexts, especially informal ones. 小銭 often has the nuance of *small* change or a collection of coins.
ゲームセンターでコインを使う。 (I use coins at the arcade.)
Both are forms of currency, but they are fundamentally different.
紙幣 refers to banknotes or paper money, while 小銭 refers to coins.
財布に紙幣が入っている。 (There are banknotes in my wallet.)
Both relate to physical money.
現金 is the broader term for cash, which includes both paper money (紙幣) and coins (硬貨/小銭).
現金で支払う。 (I pay with cash.)
문장 패턴
〜があります (ga arimasu)
小銭があります。
〜がありません (ga arimasen)
小銭がありません。
〜を使います (o tsukaimasu)
小銭を使います。
〜しか使えません (shika tsukaemasen)
小銭しか使えません。
〜を用意します (o yōi shimasu)
小銭を用意してください。
〜で (de) - location/means
レジで小銭を払います。
〜がたくさんあります (ga takusan arimasu)
小銭がたくさんあります。
〜を数えます (o kazoemasu)
小銭を数えます。
어휘 가족
명사
팁
小銭 (kozeni): Learn this basic word for coins
小銭 (kozeni) directly translates to small money, and it refers to coins in Japanese. It's a fundamental word for everyday transactions.
Don't confuse 小銭 with お金 (okane)
While お金 (okane) means money in general, 小銭 specifically means coins. You wouldn't use 小銭 to refer to banknotes or other forms of money.
Use 小銭 to ask for change
When you want to ask if someone has small change, you can use 小銭. For example, 「小銭はありますか？」 (Kozeni wa arimasu ka?) means Do you have small change?
小銭 can also refer to loose change
You might hear 小銭 used to describe loose change in your pocket or wallet. For instance, 「ポケットに小銭が入っている」 (Poketto ni kozeni ga haitte iru) means There is loose change in my pocket.
Use 小銭 when discussing coin-operated machines
When talking about vending machines or other coin-operated devices, you'll often use 小銭. 「小銭が必要です」 (Kozeni ga hitsuyō desu) means Coins are necessary or You need coins.
Practice with example sentences for 小銭
The best way to learn is to practice. Try saying 「財布に小銭がない」 (Saifu ni kozeni ga nai), which means I don't have coins in my wallet, or 「小銭を数える」 (Kozeni o kazoeru), meaning to count coins.
Avoid using 小銭 for specific coin denominations
小銭 is a general term for coins. If you want to refer to a specific coin, like a 100 yen coin, you'd say 「百円玉」 (hyaku-en dama), not 小銭.
Japanese often prefer exact change
In Japan, it's common to pay with exact change, especially at smaller shops or when using vending machines. Having 小銭 on hand is very practical.
Memorize the Kanji for 小銭
The Kanji for 小銭 are 小 (shō/chiisai) meaning small and 銭 (zeni) meaning money. Understanding the individual Kanji helps with retention.
小銭稼ぎ (kozeni kasegi): earning small amounts of money
As an advanced tip, you might encounter 小銭稼ぎ (kozeni kasegi), which refers to earning small amounts of money, often through odd jobs or side hustles. This shows how 小銭 can be used metaphorically.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'kozeni' as 'cozy money' – coins are small and can feel cozy in your pocket.
시각적 연상
Imagine a small, cozy pouch overflowing with shiny Japanese coins (yen). The 'ko' sound can also make you think of 'small' (小さい - chiisai), connecting to the idea of small change.
Word Web
챌린지
Next time you pay for something, try to think 'kozeni' when you're dealing with coins. Or, when you hear someone talk about 'small change', try to recall the Japanese word.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Paying at a convenience store
- 小銭がありますか？ (Do you have small change?)
- 小銭入れ (coin purse)
- お釣りは小銭でください (Please give me my change in coins)
Using a vending machine
- この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません (This vending machine only takes coins)
- 小銭がないので、大きいお札しかありません (I don't have coins, only large bills)
- 小銭を入れてください (Please insert coins)
Counting money
- 小銭を数える (to count coins)
- たくさんの小銭 (a lot of coins)
- 財布に小銭がいっぱいある (My wallet is full of coins)
Asking for change
- 小銭に両替できますか？ (Can I exchange this for coins?)
- すみません、小銭が欲しいのですが (Excuse me, I'd like some coins)
- 小銭がないので困っています (I'm in trouble because I don't have any coins)
Finding loose change
- ポケットに小銭があった (There were coins in my pocket)
- 道で小銭を拾った (I picked up some coins on the street)
- ソファの下から小銭が出てきた (Coins came out from under the sofa)
대화 시작하기
"普段、小銭をよく使いますか？ (Do you often use coins in daily life?)"
"小銭が一番たくさんあるのは、どんな時ですか？ (When do you have the most coins?)"
"日本の自動販売機は小銭しか使えないことが多いですが、便利だと思いますか？ (Japanese vending machines often only take coins, do you think that's convenient?)"
"もし小銭をたくさん持っていたら、何をしますか？ (If you had a lot of coins, what would you do with them?)"
"小銭を貯める習慣はありますか？ (Do you have a habit of saving coins?)"
일기 주제
今日、小銭をどこで使いましたか？ (Where did you use coins today?)
小銭が足りなくて困った経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience where you were troubled because you didn't have enough coins.)
もし日本で小銭を使う機会があったら、どんなことに使いたいですか？ (If you had the chance to use coins in Japan, what would you like to use them for?)
小銭の管理について、何か工夫していることはありますか？ (Do you have any tips or tricks for managing your coins?)
小銭にまつわる面白い話や思い出があれば教えてください。 (If you have any interesting stories or memories related to coins, please share them.)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문小銭 (kozeni) specifically refers to 'small change' or 'coins.' お金 (okane) is a more general term meaning 'money,' which can include coins, bills, or even digital money. So, all 小銭 is お金, but not all お金 is 小銭.
No, 小銭 (kozeni) is specifically for coins. If you want to say 'a small amount of money' in a general sense, you might use phrases like 少ないお金 (sukunai okane) or 少額 (shōgaku).
You could say: 小銭、ありますか？ (Kozeni, arimasu ka?) which means 'Do you have small change?' or 'Do you have coins?'
After making a purchase, if you expect change, it's usually handled automatically. If you're asking someone to break a larger bill, you might say: すみません、小銭に両替できますか？ (Sumimasen, kozeni ni ryōgae dekimasu ka?) - 'Excuse me, can you change this into small coins?'
You'll often hear 小銭 (kozeni) when talking about paying at a convenience store, using a vending machine, or paying for public transport like buses or sometimes trains if you need to buy a ticket with cash.
Yes, it does! The first kanji, 小 (ko), means 'small.' The second kanji, 銭 (zeni), means 'money' or 'coin.' So, literally, 'small money' or 'small coins.'
A common one is 小銭を崩す (kozeni o kuzusu), which means 'to break a large bill into smaller change/coins.' Another is 小銭入れ (kozeni-ire), which means 'coin purse.'
Generally, no, it's not considered rude to pay with 小銭 (kozeni). However, if you're paying a large sum with a huge pile of tiny coins, it might be a bit inconvenient for the cashier. For small purchases, paying with coins is perfectly normal.
For 小, the on'yomi is ショウ (shō) and the kun'yomi is ちい(さい) (chii(sai)) or こ (ko). For 銭, the on'yomi is セン (sen) and the kun'yomi is ぜに (zeni) or がた (gata). In 小銭, you see the kun'yomi readings used.
It's pronounced こぜに (ko-ze-ni). The 'ko' is like 'co' in 'cold,' 'ze' is like 'ze' in 'zebra,' and 'ni' is like 'ni' in 'nickel.'
셀프 테스트 90 질문
財布に___が少しだけあります。(I only have a little bit of ___ in my wallet.)
The sentence is talking about having a small amount of money in a wallet, implying coins.
この自動販売機は___しか使えません。(This vending machine only accepts ___.)
Vending machines often only accept coins for small purchases.
ポケットに___がたくさん入っています。(I have a lot of ___ in my pocket.)
Pockets are a common place to keep loose coins.
レジで___を数えています。(I am counting the ___ at the register.)
When dealing with change at a register, you count coins.
タクシーに乗る前に___を用意しました。(Before taking a taxi, I prepared some ___.)
Having coins ready can be useful for paying for taxis, especially for smaller fares or tips.
カフェでコーヒーを買うために___を探しました。(I looked for ___ to buy coffee at the cafe.)
Often, small purchases like coffee are paid for with coins.
Listen to the word for 'coins'.
Listen to the sentence: 'I have coins in my wallet.'
Listen to the question: 'Do you have coins?'
Read this aloud:
小銭をください。
Focus: Ko-ze-ni o ku-da-sai
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
これは小銭です。
Focus: Ko-re wa ko-ze-ni desu
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
小銭があります。
Focus: Ko-ze-ni ga a-ri-masu
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a store. You want to pay with coins. Write a simple sentence to express this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小銭で払います。
You found some coins. Write a simple sentence saying "I found coins."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小銭を見つけました。
Someone asks if you have coins. Write a simple answer saying "Yes, I have coins."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
はい、小銭があります。
財布に何がたくさんありますか？
Read this passage:
私は財布に小銭がたくさんあります。買い物に行くとき、いつも小銭を使います。
財布に何がたくさんありますか？
The passage says "財布に小銭がたくさんあります" (I have many coins in my wallet).
The passage says "財布に小銭がたくさんあります" (I have many coins in my wallet).
なぜ飲み物が買えませんか？
Read this passage:
自動販売機で飲み物を買いたいですが、小銭がありません。困りました。
なぜ飲み物が買えませんか？
The passage states "小銭がありません" (I don't have coins).
The passage states "小銭がありません" (I don't have coins).
何が道に落ちていましたか？
Read this passage:
公園で散歩していたら、道に小銭が落ちていました。拾って交番に届けました。
何が道に落ちていましたか？
The passage says "道に小銭が落ちていました" (Coins were fallen on the road).
The passage says "道に小銭が落ちていました" (Coins were fallen on the road).
This sentence means 'I want coins.' The common sentence structure in Japanese is Subject-Object-Verb.
This sentence means 'This is coins.' 'これ (kore)' means 'this', 'は (wa)' is a topic particle, and 'です (desu)' is a polite copula meaning 'is/am/are'.
This sentence means 'Please give me coins.' 'を (o)' is an object particle, and 'ください (kudasai)' means 'please give me'.
財布に___がありません。
The sentence means 'There are no coins in my wallet.' 小銭 (kozeni) specifically refers to coins, making it the most appropriate choice.
この自動販売機は___しか使えません。
The sentence means 'This vending machine only accepts coins.' 小銭 (kozeni) is the correct term for coins.
レジで___を数えるのに時間がかかりました。
The sentence means 'It took time to count the coins at the register.' 小銭 (kozeni) fits the context of counting money, specifically coins.
ポケットに___がたくさん入っています。
The sentence means 'There are a lot of coins in my pocket.' 小銭 (kozeni) is the appropriate word for coins.
バスに乗るために___を用意しました。
The sentence means 'I prepared coins to ride the bus.' Many buses in Japan require exact change, so 小銭 (kozeni) is very relevant.
募金箱に___を入れました。
The sentence means 'I put coins into the donation box.' 小銭 (kozeni) is commonly donated in small amounts.
You are at a vending machine and only have bills. You need small change. Write a short sentence asking someone if they have small change.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小銭、ありますか？
Imagine you dropped your coins. Write a sentence saying, "I dropped my coins."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小銭を落としました。
You need to pay for something small, and you only have coins. Write a sentence stating, "I have coins."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小銭があります。
What is the speaker's problem?
Read this passage:
すみません、小銭がありません。大きいお金しかありません。これを両替できますか？ (Excuse me, I don't have small change. I only have large bills. Can I exchange this?)
What is the speaker's problem?
The passage clearly states '小銭がありません' which means 'I don't have small change.'
The passage clearly states '小銭がありません' which means 'I don't have small change.'
What does the person have a lot of?
Read this passage:
財布に小銭がたくさんあります。でも、一万円札も持っています。パンを買いに行きます。 (I have a lot of coins in my wallet. But, I also have a 10,000 yen bill. I'm going to buy bread.)
What does the person have a lot of?
The first sentence says '財布に小銭がたくさんあります' which means 'I have a lot of coins in my wallet.'
The first sentence says '財布に小銭がたくさんあります' which means 'I have a lot of coins in my wallet.'
What can you NOT use at this vending machine?
Read this passage:
この自動販売機は小銭しか使えません。お札は使えません。注意してください。 (This vending machine only accepts coins. It doesn't accept bills. Please be careful.)
What can you NOT use at this vending machine?
The passage states 'お札は使えません' which means 'Bills cannot be used.'
The passage states 'お札は使えません' which means 'Bills cannot be used.'
This sentence means 'I have coins.' The particles を and は mark the direct object and topic, respectively.
This means 'There are many coins.' が marks the subject, and たくさん means 'many.'
This means 'This vending machine only takes coins.' しか...ない means 'only.'
財布にたくさん___があります。
The sentence is talking about having a lot of something in a wallet. '小銭' (kozeni) means 'coins', which fits the context of what you'd find in a wallet. 'お札' (osatsu) means 'bills', 'カード' (kādo) means 'cards', and 'レシート' (reshīto) means 'receipts'.
自動販売機で飲み物を買うとき、___を使います。
When buying a drink from a vending machine, you would typically use '小銭' (kozeni) or coins. '切符' (kippu) means 'ticket', '鉛筆' (enpitsu) means 'pencil', and '鍵' (kagi) means 'key'.
このお菓子は、___で買えます。
The sentence implies that the candy can be bought with a small amount of money. '小銭' (kozeni) means 'coins', which are often used for small purchases like candy. '大きいお金' (ōkii okane) means 'a lot of money', '高い時計' (takai tokei) means 'expensive watch', and '古い本' (furui hon) means 'old book'.
日本のバスに乗るとき、小銭が必要な場合があります。
In Japan, many buses require exact change or small bills, so having '小銭' (kozeni) is often necessary if you don't have an IC card.
銀行で大きな金額を引き出すとき、小銭がたくさん出てきます。
When withdrawing a large amount of money from a bank, you typically receive bills, not a lot of '小銭' (kozeni) or coins.
カフェでコーヒーを買うとき、いつも小銭で支払います。
While you can pay with '小銭' (kozeni) for coffee at a cafe, it's not always the case; many people use bills, cards, or mobile payments.
The speaker is talking about the contents of a wallet.
The speaker is explaining a restriction for a vending machine.
The speaker is talking about making a payment.
Read this aloud:
小銭を数えてください。
Focus: こぜに (kozeni), かぞえて (kazoete)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
レジで小銭を用意しました。
Focus: レジ (reji), 小銭 (kozeni), 用意しました (yōi shimashita)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
小銭入れはどこですか。
Focus: 小銭入れ (kozeniire), どこですか (doko desu ka)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a vending machine and only have a 1000 yen bill, but the machine only accepts coins. Explain in Japanese that you don't have coins.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
すみません、小銭を持っていません。千円札しかありません。
Imagine you're trying to pay for something small, but you only have large bills. Ask in Japanese if the cashier can break a 5000 yen bill into smaller coins.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この五千円札を小銭に両替できますか？
You found some loose change (coins) in your pocket. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you found coins.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ポケットに小銭を見つけました。
What is the problem in the conversation?
Read this passage:
A: すみません、このジュースはいくらですか？ B: 120円です。 A: 小銭がありません。大きいお札しかありません。
What is the problem in the conversation?
A says '小銭がありません' which means 'I don't have coins.'
A says '小銭がありません' which means 'I don't have coins.'
What should you do if you don't have coins when riding a bus in Japan?
Read this passage:
日本では、バスに乗るときに小銭が必要なことが多いです。もし小銭がない場合は、両替機を使うことができます。
What should you do if you don't have coins when riding a bus in Japan?
The passage says 'もし小銭がない場合は、両替機を使うことができます。' which means 'If you don't have coins, you can use a change machine.'
The passage says 'もし小銭がない場合は、両替機を使うことができます。' which means 'If you don't have coins, you can use a change machine.'
What kind of payment does the vending machine accept?
Read this passage:
この自動販売機は、お札が使えません。小銭だけで払ってください。
What kind of payment does the vending machine accept?
The passage states 'お札が使えません。小銭だけで払ってください。' which means 'Bills cannot be used. Please pay with coins only.'
The passage states 'お札が使えません。小銭だけで払ってください。' which means 'Bills cannot be used. Please pay with coins only.'
財布に___がなくて、自販機で飲み物が買えなかった。
「小銭」は「硬貨」を指しますが、日常会話では「お釣り」や「細かいお金」という意味合いで使われることが多いです。ここでは自販機で使う「硬貨」がない状況を表しています。「お金」は一般的すぎるため不適切です。「お札」は紙幣なので違います。
レジで店員に「___はございますか？」と聞かれた。
レジで「小銭はございますか？」と聞かれるのは、店員が大きなお札を崩す小銭が足りない場合によくあります。「お釣り」はもらう側のお金なので不適切です。「お金」は一般的すぎます。「硬貨」も間違いではありませんが、この文脈では「小銭」がより自然です。
募金箱に持っていた___をすべて入れた。
募金箱に入れるのは、一般的に「小銭」が多いです。「お札」を入れることもありますが、通常は「小銭」を指します。「お金」は一般的すぎます。「財産」は大きすぎる表現です。
鞄の中にあった___が、歩くたびにジャラジャラと音を立てる。
「ジャラジャラと音を立てる」のは、複数の硬貨がぶつかり合う音を表現する擬音語です。したがって、「小銭」が最も適切です。「鍵」も音を立てますが、「ジャラジャラ」という音とは少し違います。「財布」や「小物」は音を立てるもの自体を指すわけではありません。
彼はいつも財布の中を整理していて、___でパンパンになることはない。
財布が「パンパンになる」のは、通常、たくさんの「小銭」が原因です。「カード」や「レシート」も増えますが、「パンパン」という表現は「小銭」に特有です。「お札」はかさばりにくいです。
子供の頃、貯金箱に毎日少しずつ___を入れていた。
貯金箱に入れるのは、一般的に「小銭」です。「お菓子」や「おもちゃ」は貯金箱に入れるものではありません。「秘密」は物理的なものではないため不適切です。
The speaker is talking about the contents of a wallet.
The speaker is looking for something to buy a drink from a vending machine.
The speaker is mentioning a payment restriction at a store.
Read this aloud:
お釣りの小銭は募金箱に入れてください。
Focus: o-tsu-ri no ko-ze-ni wa bo-kin-ba-ko ni i-re-te ku-da-sai
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
すみません、小銭が足りません。
Focus: su-mi-ma-sen, ko-ze-ni ga ta-ri-ma-sen
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
レジで小銭を出すのが少し苦手です。
Focus: re-ji de ko-ze-ni o da-su no ga su-ko-shi ni-ga-te de-su
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The speaker is talking about having a lot of change.
The speaker needs coins for a vending machine.
The speaker mentions that even small coins are welcome for donation.
Read this aloud:
レジで店員に「小銭はありますか？」と尋ねられた時、どう答えますか？
Focus: 小銭 (kozeni), ありますか (arimasu ka)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
友達とカフェに行って、割り勘にする時、自分の小銭の有無を伝えるフレーズを練習しましょう。
Focus: 割り勘 (warikan), 小銭 (kozeni), あります (arimasu), ありません (arimasen)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
募金箱に小銭を入れる時の心のつぶやきを表現してみましょう。
Focus: 募金 (bokin), 小銭 (kozeni), 役に立つ (yaku ni tatsu)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
財布に小銭が少ししか残っていなかったので、電車賃を払うのに___。
「苦労した」は「大変な努力をした、または困難に直面した」という意味です。小銭が少ない状況で電車賃を払うのは苦労するでしょう。
自動販売機で飲み物を買おうとしたが、小銭が___、紙幣しか持っていなかった。
「足りず」は「〜が不足しているため」という意味です。自動販売機で小銭がなければ、紙幣しか持っていない状況で飲み物を買えません。
募金箱に小銭を___、ささやかながら社会貢献をした。
「入れた」は「中に入れる」という意味です。募金箱にはお金を入れます。
彼はいつも財布にたくさんの小銭を___いるので、レジで支払う際に時間がかかる。
「ためて」は「蓄積する」という意味です。小銭がたくさんあると、支払いに時間がかかることがあります。
道端で小銭を___、幸運にも警察に届けられていた。
「落としたが」は「〜を失くしたが」という意味です。小銭を落としたけれど、警察に届けられたという文脈が自然です。
旅行中はチップを渡すために、常に小銭を___しておく必要がある。
「用意して」は「準備して」という意味です。チップを渡すためには小銭を準備しておく必要があります。
財布に小銭がたくさんあると、重くてかさばる。
The sentence describes the inconvenience of having a lot of '小銭' (small change) in a wallet, making it '重くてかさばる' (heavy and bulky).
募金箱に小銭を寄付しました。
This sentence indicates an action of '寄付しました' (donated) '小銭' (small change) to a '募金箱' (collection box).
自動販売機で飲み物を買うために、ポケットから小銭を探した。
The sentence describes searching for '小銭' (small change) from a 'ポケット' (pocket) in order to '自動販売機で飲み物を買う' (buy a drink from a vending machine).
「小銭」は、一般的に紙幣ではなく硬貨を指します。
「小銭」specifically refers to coins, not banknotes.
日本では、小銭を使う機会はほとんどありません。
In Japan, small change ('小銭') is frequently used, especially for vending machines, public transport, and small purchases.
小銭は、財布に入っているとすぐに使い切ってしまうことが多いです。
It is common for '小銭' (small change) to be spent quickly when it's in a wallet, as it's used for smaller transactions.
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Summary
小銭 (kozeni) is the common Japanese word for 'coins' or 'small change'.
- 小銭 (kozeni) means 'coins' or 'small change'.
- It refers to metallic currency of low value.
- Often used when talking about needing change for a purchase.
小銭 (kozeni): Learn this basic word for coins
小銭 (kozeni) directly translates to small money, and it refers to coins in Japanese. It's a fundamental word for everyday transactions.
Don't confuse 小銭 with お金 (okane)
While お金 (okane) means money in general, 小銭 specifically means coins. You wouldn't use 小銭 to refer to banknotes or other forms of money.
Use 小銭 to ask for change
When you want to ask if someone has small change, you can use 小銭. For example, 「小銭はありますか？」 (Kozeni wa arimasu ka?) means Do you have small change?
小銭 can also refer to loose change
You might hear 小銭 used to describe loose change in your pocket or wallet. For instance, 「ポケットに小銭が入っている」 (Poketto ni kozeni ga haitte iru) means There is loose change in my pocket.
관련 콘텐츠
daily_life 관련 단어
もう少し
B1A little more.
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
