Translation and Meaning of: 金庫 - kanegura

Have you ever come across the Japanese word 金庫[かねぐら] and felt curious about its meaning and use? In this article, we will explore everything about this term, from its translation and origin to how it is used in daily life in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or simply have an interest in the culture of the country, understanding words like 金庫 can enrich your vocabulary and knowledge. Here at Suki Nihongo, our dictionary aims to provide clear and detailed explanations to facilitate your learning.

The meaning and translation of 金庫[かねぐら]

The word 金庫[かねぐら] is composed of the kanjis 金 (gold/money) and 庫 (warehouse/deposit), and its most common translation is "safe" or "strongbox." It refers to a place or object used to store valuables, such as money, jewelry, or important documents. In Japan, this term is widely used in commercial and domestic contexts, especially in banks and establishments that need to securely store large amounts.

Although 金庫 is the most common reading, the pronunciation かねぐら (kanegura) also appears in certain regional or historical contexts. It is worth noting that, unlike words like 貯金箱 (piggy bank), 金庫 carries a more formal and reinforced connotation, indicating a higher level of protection against theft or fire.

The origin and cultural use of 金庫

The origin of the word 金庫 dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when commerce and the Japanese economy began to expand. At that time, merchants and affluent families used reinforced chests to protect their belongings, giving rise to the modern concept of a safe. Over time, the term became established in the Japanese vocabulary, especially after the introduction of metal safes during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

In contemporary Japan, 金庫 is not limited to banks. Many households have small safes to store passports, certificates, or emergency cash. In addition, the term also appears in expressions like 耐火金庫 (fireproof safe) and 電子金庫 (electronic safe), showing its adaptation to new technologies.

Tips for memorizing and curiosities about 金庫.

An effective way to memorize 金庫 is to associate its kanjis with the meaning. The character 金 represents money or precious metal, while 庫 evokes the idea of storage. Together, they form a clear mental image: a vault for valuables. Another tip is to remember that the reading かねぐら (kanegura) can be broken down into かね (money) + ぐら (similar to "gura" in 倉庫, which means warehouse).

An interesting fact is that in Japan, many modern safes are designed to withstand not only theft but also natural disasters, such as earthquakes. Some models even have automatic locking systems in the event of impact, reflecting the country's concern for safety in multiple aspects. If you have ever watched movies or animes like "Lupin III", you have likely seen 金庫 being used in robbery scenes – a testament to their importance in Japanese pop culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

貯金箱 (Chokinbako) - Piggy bank; generally used to save coins or money saved.
金庫箱 (Kinkobako) - Safe; a safer version to store money and valuable items.
保管箱 (Hokanbako) - Storage box; used to store various objects, not necessarily money.
金庫室 (Kinkoshitsu) - Safe room; a secure space to store large amounts of money or valuable items.
保管室 (Hokan Shitsu) - Storage room; a space intended to store various objects, but not necessarily focused on maximum security like a vault.