Translation and Meaning of: 金 - kane

Have you ever wondered what the Japanese word 金[かね] means? Whether for studies or curiosity, understanding this term goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japan. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing the kanji and interesting facts that make this word so special. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those learning Japanese.

Meaning and translation of 金[かね]

The word 金[かね] has a direct meaning: "money." However, its usage goes beyond the financial sense. In Japanese, it can also refer to metals in general, especially gold. This duality of meanings makes the word interesting and versatile in everyday vocabulary.

In informal contexts, かね is often used to talk about financial resources. For example, when someone says "かねがない" (kane ga nai), it means "I don't have money." In compositions with other kanjis, such as 金曜日[きんようび] (Friday), the radical 金 takes on a more symbolic role, connected to the element metal in traditional culture.

Origin and writing of the kanji 金

The kanji 金 has a rich history. Its origin dates back to ancient China, where it represented the precious metal extracted from the earth. The character is composed of the metal radical (釒) and an element that symbolizes purity, reinforcing its connection with gold. This visual combination helps to understand why 金 carries such valuable meanings.

One tip for memorizing this kanji is to observe its structure. The lower lines resemble grains of sand, while the upper part suggests a protective roof. This mental image can help associate 金 with something precious being kept safe. It's worth noting that, in Japanese writing, this same kanji can be read as "kin" in words like 金庫[きんこ] (safe).

Cultural use and frequency of かね

In Japan, かね is a common word in daily life, but it carries important cultural nuances. Unlike Portuguese, where "dinheiro" is a neutral term, かね can have stronger connotations. In conversations, it is polite to avoid speaking directly about money, using indirect expressions when necessary.

Interestingly, 金 appears in several Japanese proverbs. One example is 金の切れ目が縁の切れ目 (kane no kireme ga en no kireme), which means "when money runs out, the relationship also ends." This type of expression shows how the concept of money is deeply connected to culture and social values in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

貨幣 (Kahi) - Currency; money in general.
お金 (Okane) - Money; used in a more casual or common way.
現金 (Genkin) - Cash; physical currency.
資金 (Shikin) - Funds; capital allocated for a project or investment.
銭 (Zen) - Coin; often refers to an old monetary unit.
金銭 (Kinsen) - Money and assets; it encompasses the broader concept of monetary value.
金品 (Kinpin) - Valuable assets; it usually refers to items of value, not just money.
金属 (Kinzoku) - Metal; related to fine materials, not necessarily tied to the monetary concept.
金色 (Kiniro) - Golden color; referring to the color associated with gold.
金箔 (Kinpaku) - Gold leaf; used to cover surfaces or in crafts.

Related words

料金

ryoukin

rate; charge; fee

預金

yokin

deposit; Bank account

募金

bokin

fund raising; fund collection

針金

harigane

wire

賃金

chingin

remunerations

貯金

chokin

(banco) economy

代金

daikin

price; payment; cost; charge; the money; the bill

大金

taikin

great cost

送金

soukin

Shipping; sending money

税金

zeikin

tax; duty

金

Romaji: kane
Kana: かね
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: money; metal

Meaning in English: money;metal

Definition: Gold: Refers to gold bars or gold coins. It is also made of gold.

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How to Write in Japanese - (金) kane

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (金) kane:

Example Sentences - (金) kane

See below some example sentences:

彼女は私にお金を呉れると言った。

Kanojo wa watashi ni okane wo kureru to itta

She said she would give me money.

She told me that she would earn money.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
私 (watashi) - I
に (ni) - target particle
お金 (okane) - money
を (wo) - direct object particle
呉れる (kureru) - give (humble form)
と (to) - Quote particle
言った (itta) - he said

金銭が全てではない。

Kinsen ga subete dewa nai

Money is not everything.

金銭 - money
が - subject particle
全て - All, every
ではない - Não é

現金で支払いました。

Genkin de shiharaimashita

I paid money.

現金 - It means "cash" in Japanese.
で - it's a particle that indicates the means or method used to perform an action.
支払い - means "payment" in Japanese.
ました - it is a polite and courteous form of the verb "to do" in the past.

借金は返さなければならない。

Shakkin wa kaesanakereba naranai

Debts must be paid.

The debt must be returned.

借金 (shakkin) - Debt
は (wa) - Topic particle
返さなければならない (kaesanakereba naranai) - must be returned

この商品の金額はいくらですか？

Kono shouhin no kingaku wa ikura desu ka?

What is the value of this product?

How much is this product?

この商品 - This product
の - Possessive particle
金額 - Price
は - Topic particle
いくら - How much
ですか - Is (interrogative particle)

代金を払いました。

Daikin wo haraimashita

I paid the full amount.

I paid for it.

代金 - means "price" or "cost".
を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
払いました - verb "払う" in the past, which means "to pay".

富豪は多くのお金を持っています。

Fugou wa ooku no okane wo motteimasu

Millionaires have a lot of money.

富豪 - It means "rich person" in Japanese.
は - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "富豪".
多くの - means "many" in Japanese.
お金 - means "money" in Japanese.
を - particle of object in Japanese, which indicates that "お金" is the direct object of the sentence.
持っています - It means "to have" in Japanese, in the sense of possessing something. It is conjugated in the affirmative present tense.

差額は返金されます。

Sagaku wa henkin saremasu

The difference will be refunded.

差額 - value difference
は - Topic particle
返金 - refund
されます - passive form of the verb "to be done"

彼は慈善活動に多くの時間とお金を施しています。

Kare wa jizen katsudō ni ōku no jikan to okane o hodokoshite imasu

He devotes a lot of time and money to charity.

He spends a lot of time and money in charity activities.

彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
慈善活動 - Japanese word that means "charitable activities".
に - Japanese particle that indicates the purpose or target of the action.
多く - Japanese adverb that means "very".
の - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship.
時間 - Japanese word that means "time".
と - Japanese particle that indicates joint or simultaneous action.
お金 - Japanese word that means "money".
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
施しています - Japanese verb that means "to donate" or "to contribute," conjugated in the present continuous.