A bank is a fundamental facility for managing personal and business finances through deposits and transfers.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A financial institution for money management.
- Essential for daily tasks like deposits and withdrawals.
- Commonly used with ATM services.
概要
銀行（ぎんこう）は、お金を預かる（預金）、貸し出す（融資）、送金する（為替）などの業務を行う金融機関です。日本社会において、給与振込口座や公共料金の引き落とし先として、生活に不可欠な存在です。2) 使用パターン: 「銀行に行く」「銀行にお金を預ける」「銀行からお金をおろす」といった動詞と組み合わせて使われます。また、特定の銀行名を指す場合は「〇〇銀行」のように固有名詞として使います。3) 一般的な文脈: ATM（現金自動預け払い機）の利用や、窓口での相談、住宅ローンや投資信託の契約など、個人の生活からビジネスまで幅広い場面で登場します。特に給料日や月末には混雑することが多いです。4) 類似語の比較: 「郵便局（ゆうびんきょく）」は郵便業務が主ですが、貯金機能も備えており、地方では銀行の代わりに利用されることが多いです。「信用金庫（しんようきんこ）」は地域密着型の金融機関で、銀行よりも中小企業や個人向けのサービスに特化しています。
Examples
銀行でお金をおろします。
everydayI will withdraw money at the bank.
銀行の窓口で相談したいです。
formalI would like to consult at the bank counter.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
銀行振込
Bank transfer
銀行預金
Bank deposit
Often Confused With
ATM is the machine used for transactions, while the bank is the institution itself. You use an ATM at a bank.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and used in all registers. It refers to both the physical building and the organization. Always use it with appropriate particles depending on whether you are moving towards it or acting within it.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse the particles 'ni' and 'de'. Remember 'ni' for destination and 'de' for the location of the action. Also, note that Japanese banks are strictly closed on weekends.
Tips
Use particles correctly with bank
Use 'に' when going to the bank (銀行に行く) and 'で' when performing actions there (銀行でお金を下ろす).
Watch out for bank holidays
Banks are generally closed on weekends and national holidays. Plan your visits during weekday business hours.
The importance of Hanko (seals)
While digital signatures are increasing, traditional Japanese banks often still require a registered seal (hanko) for opening accounts.
Word Origin
The word consists of 'Gin' (silver) and 'Ko' (firm/house). It reflects the historical association of banks with precious metals and wealth management.
Cultural Context
Banks in Japan are highly trusted institutions. They play a central role in the 'salaryman' lifestyle, as monthly salaries are almost exclusively paid via bank transfers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'Gin' (silver) 'Ko' (factory) where they store your money. It's a silver factory for your savings!
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions多くのATMは早朝から深夜まで利用可能ですが、24時間営業ではない店舗もあります。また、夜間や休日には手数料がかかる場合が多いので注意が必要です。
ゆうちょ銀行は郵便局を拠点とする金融機関ですが、一般的な銀行とほぼ同じサービスを受けられます。全国どこにでもあるため、利便性が高いのが特徴です。
本人確認書類（免許証やマイナンバーカードなど）と、印鑑が必要です。最近ではアプリで申し込める銀行も増えています。
Test Yourself
今日、___ お金を預けに行きます。
目的地を示す場合は助詞の「に」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
A bank is a fundamental facility for managing personal and business finances through deposits and transfers.
- A financial institution for money management.
- Essential for daily tasks like deposits and withdrawals.
- Commonly used with ATM services.
Use particles correctly with bank
Use 'に' when going to the bank (銀行に行く) and 'で' when performing actions there (銀行でお金を下ろす).
Watch out for bank holidays
Banks are generally closed on weekends and national holidays. Plan your visits during weekday business hours.
The importance of Hanko (seals)
While digital signatures are increasing, traditional Japanese banks often still require a registered seal (hanko) for opening accounts.
Examples
2 of 2銀行でお金をおろします。
I will withdraw money at the bank.
銀行の窓口で相談したいです。
I would like to consult at the bank counter.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
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.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
