In 15 Seconds
- To actively accumulate money over time for a goal.
- Used for personal savings, travel funds, or future security.
- A neutral, everyday phrase suitable for almost any conversation.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of setting money aside over time to build up a larger sum. It is like gathering water in a bucket; you are actively accumulating funds for a specific goal or for the future.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a friend about travel plans
日本に行きたいから、今、お金を貯めているんだ。
I want to go to Japan, so I'm saving money right now.
Discussing a big purchase with a partner
新しい車を買うために、もっとお金を貯めよう。
Let's save more money to buy a new car.
A formal conversation with a career counselor
将来のために、しっかりとお金を貯めるつもりです。
I intend to save money diligently for my future.
Cultural Background
The 'Kakeibo' method is a traditional Japanese way of saving money that involves hand-writing all expenses and reflecting on spending habits. It is deeply tied to the concept of mindfulness. During New Year's (Oshogatsu), children receive 'Otoshidama' (money in envelopes). Many parents encourage children to '{貯|た}める' this money rather than spending it immediately. In many Western cultures, 'saving' is often seen as a secondary step to 'investing', whereas in Japan, the act of '{貯|た}める' (holding cash) has historically been the primary financial virtue. The phrase '{へそくり|へそくり}' refers to secret savings, usually kept by a spouse. It is a culturally specific type of '{貯|た}めた{お金|おかね}'.
Use with '~ために'
Always pair this with a goal to sound more natural and motivated.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember: You 'tameru' (transitive), but money 'tamaru' (intransitive).
In 15 Seconds
- To actively accumulate money over time for a goal.
- Used for personal savings, travel funds, or future security.
- A neutral, everyday phrase suitable for almost any conversation.
What It Means
お金を貯める is the go-to phrase for saving money. It literally means to accumulate money. Think of it as building a pile. It implies a conscious effort to keep money instead of spending it. It is not just about having money. It is about the process of growing your stash. Whether it is for a rainy day or a shiny new car, this is your phrase.
How To Use It
You use the object marker を between お金 (money) and 貯める (to accumulate). The verb 貯める is transitive. This means you are the one doing the action. You can use it in the present tense to state a goal. Use the continuous form 貯めている to say you are currently in the process. It is very versatile. You can use it with friends, family, or even your boss.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing your financial goals. Are you planning a trip to Tokyo? Tell your friends you are お金を貯める. Are you talking to a bank clerk? This phrase works there too. Use it when you are turning down an expensive dinner invite. It is a polite way to say you are being careful with your cash. It works perfectly in texts, casual chats, or even semi-formal meetings.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for saving a computer file. For that, use 保存する. Do not use it for saving a person's life. That would be 助ける. Also, avoid using it if you just mean 'getting a discount.' If you saved five dollars on a shirt, that is 安く買えた, not 貯める. 貯める is about the long-term pile, not a one-time discount. Don't confuse it with 貯まる, which means money accumulates on its own (like interest).
Cultural Background
Japan is a culture that deeply values saving. Many people still use physical piggy banks called chokinbako. Children often receive large amounts of cash for New Year's, called otoshidama. Parents usually encourage them to お金を貯める immediately. There is a strong social pride in having a healthy savings account. Even in a digital world, many Japanese people keep track of their savings in physical bank passbooks. It represents stability and foresight.
Common Variations
A very common variation is 貯金する. This specifically means to put money into a bank account. お金を貯める is broader and can include cash under your mattress. Another one is 節約する, which means to cut back on spending or 'economize.' If you are really serious, you might use 蓄える, which sounds a bit more formal and heavy. For small change, you might hear 小銭を貯める.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any social situation. Just remember to use the 'masu' form (`tameru` -> `tamemasu`) in polite company.
Use with '~ために'
Always pair this with a goal to sound more natural and motivated.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember: You 'tameru' (transitive), but money 'tamaru' (intransitive).
Examples
6日本に行きたいから、今、お金を貯めているんだ。
I want to go to Japan, so I'm saving money right now.
Uses the continuous form to show an ongoing effort.
新しい車を買うために、もっとお金を貯めよう。
Let's save more money to buy a new car.
Uses the volitional form to suggest a shared goal.
将来のために、しっかりとお金を貯めるつもりです。
I intend to save money diligently for my future.
The addition of 'shikkari' (diligently) adds a sense of responsibility.
ライブのチケット高いね！お金貯めなきゃ。
Concert tickets are expensive! I gotta save money.
Uses the casual 'nakya' ending for 'must'.
ガチャにお金を使わないで、貯めるのは難しいよ。
It's hard to save money instead of spending it on Gacha games!
Relatable struggle for many gamers.
いつか家を買ってあげるために、一生懸命お金を貯めるね。
I'll save money with all my might so I can buy you a house someday.
Expresses a deep, heartfelt commitment.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '{貯|た}める'.
{車|くるま}を{買|か}いたいので、{毎日|まいにち}{一生懸命|いっしょうけんめい}{お金|おかね}を____。
The context 'I want to buy a car' suggests an ongoing action, so the te-form + imasu is most natural.
Which sentence is the most natural for 'I am saving money for a trip'?
Choose the best option:
'Tameru' is used for accumulating a sum for a goal. 'Setsuyaku' is for cutting costs.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {新|あたら}しいスマホ、{買|か}わないの？ B: うん、まだ____から、{来年|らいねん}{買|か}うよ。
The speaker is delaying the purchase until they have enough money, which implies they are currently saving.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{車|くるま}を{買|か}いたいので、{毎日|まいにち}{一生懸命|いっしょうけんめい}{お金|おかね}を____。
The context 'I want to buy a car' suggests an ongoing action, so the te-form + imasu is most natural.
Choose the best option:
'Tameru' is used for accumulating a sum for a goal. 'Setsuyaku' is for cutting costs.
A: {新|あたら}しいスマホ、{買|か}わないの？ B: うん、まだ____から、{来年|らいねん}{買|か}うよ。
The speaker is delaying the purchase until they have enough money, which implies they are currently saving.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it can refer to digital balances, bank accounts, or physical cash. It's the general concept of saving.
Yes! '{ポイント|ぽいんと}を{貯|た}める' is a very common phrase in Japan.
Related Phrases
{貯金|ちょきん}する
synonymTo save money (specifically in a bank).
{節約|せつやく}する
similarTo economize or cut back on spending.
{蓄|たくわ}える
specialized formTo store up or lay in a stock of something.
{無駄遣|むだづか}いする
contrastTo waste money.
