Japanese word

コイン

Pronunciation

Romajikoin

Meaning

  • nouncoin

Example

私はコインを集めます。watashi wa ko i n o atsu me ma su

I collect coins.

Illustration for コイン (coin)

More examples

道でコインを拾ったので、交番に届けます。michi de ko i n o hiro tta no de kō ban ni todo ke ma su

I found a coin on the street, so I will take it to the police box.

Core concept

Centers on a portable piece of metal whose marked value allows it to function as money.

Common phrases

  • コインを使うko i n o tsuka u

    use a coin

  • コインを拾うko i n o hiro u

    pick up a coin

  • コインの裏ko i n no ura

    the back of a coin

Similar words

硬貨kōka: A piece of metal used as money, often marked with a value or design.

Definition in Japanese

支払いに使われる金属製の貨幣。shi hara i ni tsuka wa re ru kin zoku sei no ka hei

Word origin

コイン (koin) comes from English coin, whose history leads through Old French coin to Latin cuneus, "wedge"; the term is linked to the tool that stamped designs on money.

Usage tips

  • A coin can be kept for its design or history as well as spent, which is why collecting coins connects everyday money with art and history.

Word lists with this word