🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Money" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
お金
"Money" in Japanese · say it like oh-kah-neh

The most natural way to say "Money" in Japanese is お金. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

more casual, often used in informal contexts
資金
formal, used in business or financial contexts

When to use it

Use 'お金' in everyday conversations when referring to money. It is polite and widely understood. You can use '金' among friends or in casual settings. In formal situations, such as business discussions, '資金' is more appropriate.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Money" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
お金が足りない。I don't have enough money.
お金を貸してもらえますか?Can you lend me some money?
Common mistake
Some learners confuse 'お金' with '金' in formal situations; remember to use 'お金' for politeness.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear お金, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'お金' and '金'?

'お金' is polite and used in general conversation, while '金' is more casual and can sound rough.

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