預金

The Japanese word 預金 (よきん - yokin) translates directly to 'bank deposit' or 'bank account balance'. It is a fundamental financial term used in daily life, business, and economics in Japan. To truly understand this word, we must break down its kanji characters. The first character, 預 (yo), comes from the verb 預ける (azukeru), which means 'to entrust' or 'to deposit'. The second character, 金 (kin), means 'money' or 'gold'. Therefore, the literal translation is 'entrusted money'. In the context of modern Japan, this specifically refers to money that you have entrusted to a financial institution, such as a commercial bank, for safekeeping, to earn interest, or to use for daily transactions.

Literal Meaning

Entrusted (預) Money (金).

When you open a bank account in Japan, you are creating a 預金口座 (yokin kouza - deposit account). The money sitting in that account is your 預金. It is important to note that this word is generally used for commercial banks (like Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, or Mizuho). If you are putting money into the Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行), the term historically and commonly used is 貯金 (chokin), although functionally they are very similar today. Understanding this distinction is a key part of mastering Japanese financial vocabulary.

Nuance

Implies a formal relationship with a financial institution.

In everyday conversation, you might hear people talking about their 普通預金 (futsuu yokin), which is an ordinary deposit account or checking/savings hybrid account used for daily life. This is where your salary is deposited and from where your utility bills are automatically deducted. Another common type is 定期預金 (teiki yokin), which is a fixed-term deposit or certificate of deposit. You agree not to touch the money for a set period (like one year or five years) in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate. The concept of 預金 is deeply tied to the Japanese culture of saving, which has historically been very strong, although prolonged periods of ultra-low interest rates have shifted some focus toward investing in recent years.

Cultural Context

Japanese people traditionally hold a large portion of their wealth in cash and bank deposits rather than stocks.

When you go to an ATM, the screen will often display the word 預金 in various contexts. For example, 預金引き出し (yokin hikidashi) means withdrawal, and 預金預入れ (yokin azureire) means making a deposit. The physical passbook that records these transactions is called a 預金通帳 (yokin tsucho). Even in the age of digital banking, many Japanese people still prefer to update their physical passbooks at the ATM to keep a tangible record of their finances. This practice is a unique aspect of Japanese banking culture that persists today.

To summarize, 預金 is not just the act of putting money away; it represents the entire system of holding funds in a commercial bank. It encompasses the account itself, the balance, and the various types of financial products offered by banks to hold your money safely. Mastering this word and its associated vocabulary is essential for anyone planning to live, work, or do business in Japan, as it forms the foundation of all personal and corporate financial management.

Using the word 預金 correctly involves understanding the specific verbs and nouns it pairs with. Since it functions primarily as a noun, it is often combined with the verb する (suru) to form the compound verb 預金する (yokin suru), which means 'to deposit money'. This is the most direct and active way to use the word. For example, if you receive cash and want to put it into your bank account, you would say '銀行に預金する' (ginkou ni yokin suru). However, in modern Japanese, it is also very common to simply say 'お金を預ける' (okane o azukeru) for the same action, using the native Japanese verb from which the first kanji is derived.

Verb Pairing 1

預金する (yokin suru) - To make a deposit.

Another crucial verb pairing is with 引き出す (hikidasu) or 下ろす (orosu), both of which mean 'to withdraw'. When you need cash, you go to the ATM to '預金を引き出す' (yokin o hikidasu). While you can also say 'お金を下ろす' (okane o orosu), using 預金 makes it explicitly clear that you are withdrawing from your bank balance. This distinction is particularly useful in formal or written contexts, such as banking instructions or financial agreements.

Verb Pairing 2

預金を引き出す (yokin o hikidasu) - To withdraw deposits.

The word is also frequently used as a modifier to create compound nouns. We have already mentioned 預金口座 (yokin kouza - deposit account) and 預金通帳 (yokin tsucho - bank passbook). Another very common compound is 預金残高 (yokin zandaka), which means 'account balance'. If you are applying for a visa or a loan in Japan, you will often be asked to provide a 預金残高証明書 (yokin zandaka shoumeisho), which is a certificate of your bank balance. This document proves that you have sufficient funds to support yourself or repay a debt.

Compound Noun

預金残高 (yokin zandaka) - Deposit balance.

When discussing the types of accounts, you will use specific prefixes. 普通預金 (futsuu yokin) is the standard account everyone has. 定期預金 (teiki yokin) is a fixed-term deposit. There is also 当座預金 (touza yokin), which is a current account or checking account typically used by businesses for issuing promissory notes and checks. Unlike ordinary accounts, current accounts in Japan usually do not earn interest but offer greater transactional flexibility for corporate entities. Knowing these terms is vital for anyone setting up a company or managing corporate finances in Japan.

Finally, in macroeconomic discussions or news reports, you will hear terms like 預金金利 (yokin kinri - deposit interest rate) or 預金保険機構 (yokin hoken kikou - Deposit Insurance Corporation). The latter is the government body that protects your deposits up to a certain amount (usually 10 million yen per bank) in the event that the bank goes bankrupt. This system is known as ペイオフ (payoff) in Japanese. Understanding how to use 預金 in these broader contexts will greatly enhance your ability to comprehend Japanese financial news and economic discussions.

The word 預金 is ubiquitous in Japan, and you will encounter it in a wide variety of settings, ranging from everyday errands to high-level economic discourse. The most obvious place you will hear and see this word is, of course, at the bank (銀行 - ginkou). When you walk into a branch, the signage directing you to different counters will feature this word prominently. The teller might ask you questions about your 預金口座 (deposit account) or suggest moving funds into a 定期預金 (fixed deposit) to earn a slightly better yield. The forms you fill out to open an account, make a transfer, or update your address will all use this terminology extensively.

Location 1

Banks and Financial Institutions.

Another extremely common place to encounter this word is at the ATM. Japan is still heavily reliant on cash, and ATMs are found not just in banks, but in almost every convenience store (コンビニ), train station, and shopping mall. The main menu of an ATM screen will have buttons for お引き出し (withdrawal), お預入れ (deposit), and 残高照会 (balance inquiry). While the buttons might use the more polite verb forms (お預入れ instead of 預金する), the receipts printed by the machine will clearly state your 預金残高 (deposit balance). If you use internet banking apps, the interface will similarly be built around managing your various 預金 accounts.

Location 2

ATMs and Online Banking Apps.

You will also hear this word frequently in the news, particularly during the business or economic segments. Newscasters discuss the Bank of Japan's monetary policy and how changes in the policy rate affect 預金金利 (deposit interest rates) for everyday consumers. During times of economic uncertainty, there might be reports on household savings rates, often referring to the total amount of 個人預金 (personal deposits) held in the banking system. When a major financial event occurs, such as a bank merger or a change in banking regulations, the impact on ordinary depositors (預金者 - yokinsha) is a primary topic of discussion.

Location 3

Economic News and Business Reports.

In the workplace, especially if you work in accounting, finance, or human resources, 預金 is a daily vocabulary word. HR departments need employees' 預金口座 details to process payroll (給与振込 - kyuuyo furikomi). Accounting departments manage the company's 当座預金 (current accounts) to pay vendors and receive payments from clients. If you are a freelancer or run a small business in Japan, managing your business deposits and separating them from your personal accounts is a critical task, and you will be dealing with these terms constantly when doing your taxes or working with an accountant (税理士 - zeirishi).

Finally, you might hear it in daily conversation among friends or family, though usually in a more general sense of 'savings'. However, because of the strict distinction between bank deposits and post office savings, older generations in particular might be very specific about whether their money is in a 預金 or a 貯金. Discussions about preparing for the future, saving for a house, or managing retirement funds will inevitably touch upon how much one has in their bank deposits. It is a word that bridges the gap between personal life and the broader economic system.

The most frequent and confusing mistake learners make with the word 預金 is mixing it up with 貯金 (chokin). In English, both can often be translated simply as 'savings' or 'deposits', but in Japanese, they have distinct historical and institutional usages. 預金 specifically refers to money deposited in a commercial bank (銀行 - ginkou), a credit shinkin bank (信用金庫 - shinyou kinko), or a credit cooperative. These are private financial institutions. On the other hand, 貯金 traditionally refers to money saved in the Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行 - Yucho Ginkou) or agricultural cooperatives (JAバンク). It also refers to the general act of saving money, like putting coins in a piggy bank (貯金箱 - chokinbako).

Mistake 1

Using 預金 for Post Office accounts.

If you tell a Japanese person you are going to the post office to make a 預金, they will understand you, but it sounds slightly unnatural to native ears. The post office offers 貯金口座 (savings accounts), not 預金口座. Conversely, if you are talking about saving money in a piggy bank at home, you absolutely cannot use 預金. 預金 strictly requires a financial institution to act as the custodian of the funds. You entrust (預ける) the money to them. If you are just hoarding cash under your mattress, that is 'タンス預金' (tansu yokin - wardrobe deposit), which is a specific colloquial idiom, but general saving is 貯金.

Mistake 2

Using 預金 for personal, non-institutional saving.

Another common error relates to the verbs used with 預金. When you want to say 'I have deposits', you should use the verb ある (aru) for inanimate objects: 預金がある (yokin ga aru). Some learners mistakenly try to use 持っている (motte iru - to hold/possess) as a direct translation of 'I have'. While '預金を持っている' is sometimes understood, it sounds like you are physically holding the deposit. The more natural phrasing is to say '預金がある' (There is a deposit) or '預金をしている' (I am doing deposits/I maintain a deposit account).

Mistake 3

Using incorrect verbs to express possession of a balance.

Learners also sometimes confuse 預金 with 投資 (toushi - investment). While both involve putting money somewhere with the hope of financial benefit, 預金 implies safety and a guaranteed return of principal (元本保証 - ganpon hoshou), whereas 投資 involves risk. If you put money into the stock market, that is not 預金. It is important to use the correct term, especially when discussing financial planning or reading banking brochures, as the legal protections and risks are entirely different. The phrase '預金から投資へ' (From savings to investment) is a major government slogan in Japan right now, highlighting this exact contrast.

Lastly, pronunciation mistakes can occur. The word is 預金 (yokin), not 'yookin' or 'yokkin'. The 'yo' is short. Mispronouncing the vowel length can sometimes lead to confusion, although context usually saves the day. Pay attention to the pitch accent as well; it is typically pronounced with a 'heiban' (flat) pitch accent, starting low on 'yo' and going high on 'ki' and staying high for 'n'. Mastering these subtle nuances will make your Japanese sound much more natural and professional when discussing financial matters.

To fully grasp the nuances of 預金, it is highly beneficial to compare it with similar financial terms in Japanese. The most closely related word, as discussed in the common mistakes section, is 貯金 (chokin). While 預金 is specifically for commercial banks, 貯金 is used for the Japan Post Bank, agricultural cooperatives, and the general act of saving money (like in a piggy bank). If you are talking about the virtue of saving money for a rainy day, 貯金 is the better word. If you are talking about the specific balance in your Mitsubishi UFJ account, 預金 is the correct term. They are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but the institutional distinction remains strict.

Similar Word 1

貯金 (ちょきん - chokin) - Savings, post office deposits.

Another important related word is 貯蓄 (chochiku). This is a broader, more formal term that encompasses both 預金 and 貯金, as well as other forms of safe financial assets like government bonds or insurance policies with a savings component. 貯蓄 translates best to 'savings and wealth accumulation' in a macroeconomic or formal financial planning context. When the government releases statistics on household wealth, they talk about 貯蓄率 (savings rate) or 貯蓄額 (amount of savings). It is a higher-level category that includes your bank deposits as one of its components.

Similar Word 2

貯蓄 (ちょちく - chochiku) - Savings (macro level), wealth accumulation.

The word 残高 (zandaka) is also frequently used alongside or instead of 預金 when referring to the amount of money you have. 残高 simply means 'balance'. You can have a 預金残高 (deposit balance), a ローン残高 (loan balance), or a クレジットカード残高 (credit card balance). If you are looking at your banking app and want to know how much money you have left to spend, you are checking your 残高. While 預金 refers to the nature of the money (entrusted to a bank), 残高 refers to the mathematical amount remaining in the account.

Similar Word 3

残高 (ざんだか - zandaka) - Balance (of an account).

If we look at the action of putting money into an account, the term 入金 (nyuukin) is highly relevant. 入金 literally means 'entering money' and translates to 'payment' or 'deposit' in the sense of a transaction. If a client pays your invoice via bank transfer, that is an 入金. When you physically put cash into the ATM, you are making an 入金 (or 預入れ - azureire). 預金 is the state of the money sitting in the bank, while 入金 is the action of the money moving into the account. Understanding this difference between the state/asset (預金) and the transaction (入金) is crucial for business Japanese.

Finally, consider the word 資産 (shisan), which means 'assets'. Your 預金 is a type of 資産. When you are calculating your net worth, you add up your bank deposits (預金), real estate (不動産), and stocks (株式) to find your total 資産. In financial planning, cash and bank deposits are often referred to as 現預金 (genyokin - cash and deposits) to distinguish them from riskier assets. By learning these related terms, you build a comprehensive web of financial vocabulary that allows you to navigate everything from a simple ATM withdrawal to complex corporate accounting.