Translation and Meaning of: 貨幣 - kahei

The Japanese word 貨幣[かへい] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand not only the language but also the economic and cultural aspects of Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and everyday usage, as well as interesting facts that may help with memorization. If you are studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the topic, this guide will clarify your questions in a straightforward and practical way.

Meaning and Translation of 貨幣[かへい]

Currency [かへい] is a word that means "coin" or "money" in Japanese, specifically referring to the official medium of exchange. Unlike terms like お金 [おかね], which have a more colloquial use, 貨幣 carries a more formal and technical tone, often appearing in economic and historical contexts.

In Japan, this word is used to describe both physical coins and broader monetary systems. If you have ever visited a museum or read about the Japanese economy, you have likely come across it. The most accurate translation into Portuguese would be "moeda corrente" or "dinheiro em circulação," depending on the context.

Origin and History of the Word

The etymology of 貨幣[かへい] dates back to the kanji 貨, which means "merchandise" or "goods," and 幣, associated with "offering" or "currency." Together, these characters form a term that reflects the idea of exchangeable value, something essential in commercial transactions. This combination is not exclusive to Japanese – it has roots in classical Chinese, where it was also used to refer to monetary systems.

In Japan, the word gained strength during the Edo period (1603-1868), when the monetary system was standardized. Before that, different regions used various forms of exchange, but political unification brought the need for a single currency, consolidating the term 貨幣 in everyday vocabulary.

How to Memorize 貨幣[かへい]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis with mental images. For example, 貨 can be remembered as "goods in motion" (the radical 化 suggests transformation), while 幣 refers to something valuable, like a ritual offering. Combining the two, you get the idea of "something transformed into value."

Another tip is to use the word in real contexts. If you study economics or history, try to insert 貨幣 into sentences like "In Japan, the monetary system was organized during the Edo period." Repeating it out loud also helps to memorize the pronunciation [かへい].

Cultural Use and Curiosities

In Japan, 貨幣 is not just a technical term – it appears in expressions and even in pop culture. For example, in museums, it's common to see exhibitions about 貨幣の歴史 (the history of currency), showcasing everything from the earliest copper coins to the modern ones. Additionally, the Bank of Japan (日本銀行) issues notes and coins that carry this term in official documents.

A little-known fact is that during the Meiji period, the Japanese government minted coins with English inscriptions to facilitate international trade. These pieces, called 貿易貨幣[ぼうえきかへい] (trade coin), are now valuable items for collectors.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 通貨 (Tsuuka) - Currency or monetary system in use in a specific country.
• 硬貨 (Kouka) - Physical currency, usually metallic, used in daily transactions.
• 紙幣 (Shihei) - Banknotes, usually representing a higher value than coins.
• 金銭 (Kinsen) - Generic way to refer to money or monetary goods.
• お金 (Okane) - A common and colloquial term for money, which can include both coins and bills.

貨幣

Romaji: kahei
Kana: かへい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: money; coin; mintage

Meaning in English: money;currency;coinage

Definition: something used in place of money.

Example Sentences - (貨幣) kahei

See below some example sentences:

貨幣が必要です。

Kahen ga hitsuyou desu

I need money.

I need money.

• 貨幣 - means "coin" in Japanese.
• が - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese.
• です - polite way to say "is" or "are" in Japanese.