預金する

§ What '預金する' Means

The Japanese verb 預金する (yokin suru) directly translates to "to deposit." It's used specifically when you are putting money into a bank account. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of saying "to make a deposit" at a bank. This is a common and practical verb that you'll hear and use often if you're dealing with finances in Japan.

Japanese Word

預金する (よきんする)

Pronunciation: yo-kin su-ru

Meaning

To deposit; to place money in a bank account.

It's important to note that 預金する is almost exclusively used for money in a bank. You wouldn't use it for depositing items in a locker or putting things away in a cupboard. For those actions, you'd use different verbs. This specificity makes it easier to understand its usage.

§ When to Use 預金する

You'll use 預金する in any situation where you are actively putting money into a bank account. This could be:

• When you receive your salary and want to put it into your savings account.
• When you pay a bill by making a deposit.
• When you transfer money from one account to another (though other verbs like 送金する 'sōkin suru' for 'to send money' or 振り込む 'furikomu' for 'to transfer' are also common for transfers).
• When talking about the general act of saving money in a bank.

It's a straightforward verb that directly describes the action. If you're at a bank or discussing your finances, this verb will be very useful.

§ Examples of 預金する in Sentences

Here, the speaker is talking about a regular action of saving money. The particle 「に (ni)」 indicates the destination of the action (the bank).

This is a common phrase you might use at a bank counter. 「普通預金口座 (futsū yokin kōza)」 means "regular savings account."

This sentence uses the past tense of 預金する, which is 預金しました (yokin shimashita), to talk about a completed action.

§ Related Terms

• 預金 (yokin): This is the noun form, meaning "deposit" or "savings."
• 銀行 (ginkō): Bank.
• 口座 (kōza): Account (bank account).
• 貯金する (chokin suru): To save money (more general, can be in a piggy bank or bank). While similar, 預金する specifically implies a bank deposit.

Understanding 預金する is a basic but essential step for anyone managing money in Japan. Practice using it in different contexts, and you'll quickly become comfortable with it.

Alright, let's get into how to actually use 預金する (yokin suru) in Japanese sentences. This isn't just about knowing the definition; it's about making it work for you in real conversations or writing.

§ Basic Sentence Structure

Like many Japanese verbs that end in する (suru), 預金する is a verb that combines a noun (預金 - yokin, meaning 'deposit') with the verb する (suru, meaning 'to do'). This makes it pretty straightforward to use. The basic structure is usually:

• 「(私は) [銀行に/口座に] [お金を/金額を] 預金する」
• (I) deposit [money/an amount] [into the bank/into the account].

You'll often see the particles に (ni) to indicate the destination (where you deposit) and を (o) to indicate the direct object (what you deposit).

§ Examples with 預金する

Let's look at some practical examples so you can see this in action.

Here, 預金しています (yokin shite imasu) is the present continuous form, indicating an ongoing action. This is a common way to talk about regular habits.

預金しました (yokin shimashita) is the past tense, indicating a completed action. Note how 銀行に (ginkou ni - to the bank) specifies the location.

預金してください (yokin shite kudasai) is the polite request form. 口座に (kouza ni - into the account) is another common particle usage for the destination.

§ Grammar Notes and Particles

The Particle に (ni)

Use に to indicate the place where the money is deposited. For instance, 銀行に (ginkou ni - to the bank) or 口座に (kouza ni - into the account). This particle marks the destination.

The Particle を (o)

Use を to mark the direct object, which is the money or amount being deposited. For example, お金を (okane o - money) or 10万円を (juuman-en o - 100,000 yen).

Formal vs. Informal

Like most Japanese verbs, 預金する can be conjugated to fit different levels of formality. The plain form 預金する is informal, while 預金します (yokin shimasu) is polite. In the examples above, we've mostly used polite forms as they are more generally useful.

By understanding these structures and using the correct particles, you can confidently use 預金する in various situations. Practice these examples, and try to create your own sentences. That's how you really make a word stick!