In 15 Seconds
- Used for any act of spending money on goods or services.
- Combines 'okane' (money) with the verb 'tsukau' (to use).
- Never use this for 'spending time'; use 'sugosu' instead.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are spending money. It covers everything from buying a small snack to purchasing a new car.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying groceries
スーパーでたくさんお金を使いました。
I spent a lot of money at the supermarket.
Planning a trip
旅行であまりお金を使いたくないです。
I don't want to spend much money on the trip.
In a business meeting
このプロジェクトにはもっとお金を使う必要があります。
We need to spend more money on this project.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'O-kozukai' (allowance) is central to Japanese spending habits, even for adults. Many salaried workers receive a monthly allowance from their spouses who manage the household budget. During 'O-shogatsu' (New Year), children receive 'Otoshidama' (money gifts). How they 'use' this money is often their first lesson in financial management. Japan is traditionally a cash-based society. The physical act of taking money out of a wallet makes people very conscious of '{お金|おかね}を{使|つか}う'. There is a cultural value called 'Setsuyaku' (frugality). Spending money on yourself can sometimes be seen as selfish, while spending on others (gifts) is highly encouraged.
The 'Ni' Particle
Always remember to use 'ni' for the item you are buying. It's like saying 'towards' that item.
Don't 'Use' People
While you 'use' money, using 'tsukau' with people can sound like you are exploiting them. Be careful!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for any act of spending money on goods or services.
- Combines 'okane' (money) with the verb 'tsukau' (to use).
- Never use this for 'spending time'; use 'sugosu' instead.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for any financial transaction. It literally translates to 'using money.' Think of it as the act of letting your yen fly away. It covers everything from buying a cheap snack to purchasing a house. It is a very versatile and common expression.
How To Use It
You just take okane (money) and add tsukau (to use). The particle o connects them. You can change the verb ending easily. Use tsukaimashita for things you already bought. Use tsukaitai when you are feeling spendy. It works just like any regular Japanese verb. It is simple and effective.
When To Use It
Use it when chatting about your weekend shopping trip. Tell your friend how much you spent on that new game. It is perfect for discussing monthly budgets with a partner. You can also use it at work for business expenses. It feels natural in almost any daily conversation. It is the bread and butter of financial talk.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase for spending time. That is a very common mistake for English speakers. For time, you must use the verb sugosu. Also, do not use it if you mean 'to pay' specifically. Use shiharau if you are at a cash register. Tsukau is more about the general act of spending. Don't mix them up!
Cultural Background
Japan has a deep history of being a 'saving' nation. Many people still prefer using physical cash over credit cards. However, digital payments are growing very fast now. There is a concept called mottainai which means 'don't waste.' This makes people think carefully before they okane o tsukau. Even so, Japan loves limited-edition items and seasonal treats. Your wallet might feel a bit lighter after a trip to Tokyo!
Common Variations
You will often hear okane o tsukaisugiru. This means you spent way too much money. If you are a big spender, you might be called namizukai ga arai. To save money, you would use setyaku suru. If you are broke, you say okane ga nai. These all revolve around your wallet's health. Keep an eye on those coins!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that in high-level business contexts, more specific terms like 'shishutsu' (expenditure) are preferred.
The 'Ni' Particle
Always remember to use 'ni' for the item you are buying. It's like saying 'towards' that item.
Don't 'Use' People
While you 'use' money, using 'tsukau' with people can sound like you are exploiting them. Be careful!
The 'Tsukaisugiru' Shortcut
If you want to sound like a native when you're broke, just say 'Tsukaisugichatta!' (I spent too much!)
Examples
6スーパーでたくさんお金を使いました。
I spent a lot of money at the supermarket.
A common everyday use of the past tense.
旅行であまりお金を使いたくないです。
I don't want to spend much money on the trip.
Using the negative 'want to' form to express a budget preference.
このプロジェクトにはもっとお金を使う必要があります。
We need to spend more money on this project.
Formal context discussing company resources.
またガチャにお金を使っちゃった！
I accidentally spent money on gacha again!
Using the 'chatta' ending to show regret or accidental action.
両親のために大切なお金を使いました。
I spent my precious money for my parents.
Adding 'taisetsu na' (precious) adds emotional weight.
彼は無駄にお金を使う。
He spends money wastefully.
Using 'muda ni' (wastefully) to criticize spending habits.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{旅行|りょこう}（ ）お{金|かね}を（ ）。 (I spent money on travel.)
The particle 'ni' marks the purpose/target, and '{使|つか}いました' is the past tense of 'to spend'.
Which sentence means 'I spent too much money'?
Choose the correct sentence:
The suffix '~sugiru' means 'too much'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {趣味|しゅみ}にお{金|かね}を{使|つか}いますか？ B: はい、たくさん（ ）。
The question asks if you spend money, so the answer should use the same verb.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are regretting buying an expensive watch.
'~chau' expresses regret or an accidental action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where do you spend money?
Daily
- • Food
- • Transport
- • Coffee
Fun
- • Games
- • Movies
- • Travel
Practice Bank
4 exercises{旅行|りょこう}（ ）お{金|かね}を（ ）。 (I spent money on travel.)
The particle 'ni' marks the purpose/target, and '{使|つか}いました' is the past tense of 'to spend'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The suffix '~sugiru' means 'too much'.
A: {趣味|しゅみ}にお{金|かね}を{使|つか}いますか？ B: はい、たくさん（ ）。
The question asks if you spend money, so the answer should use the same verb.
You are regretting buying an expensive watch.
'~chau' expresses regret or an accidental action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's better to use 'sugosu' for passing time. 'Tsukau' for time implies using time as a resource for a specific task.
'Okane' is polite and standard. 'Kane' is casual, blunt, and sometimes sounds a bit rough.
Yes, you can say 'kaado o tsukau' (use a card) or 'kaado de okane o tsukau' (spend money via card).
You would say '{教育|きょういく}にお{金|かね}を{使|つか}っています'.
Related Phrases
お{金|かね}を{貯|た}める
contrastTo save money
お{金|かね}を{払|はら}う
similarTo pay money
お{金|かね}を{無駄遣|むだづか}いする
specialized formTo waste money
お{金|かね}を{下|お}ろす
builds onTo withdraw money
