Japanese word

外貨

Pronunciation

Romajigaika

Meaning

  • nounforeign currency

Example

銀行で外貨を両替します。gin kō de gai ka o ryō gae shi ma su

I exchange foreign currency at a bank.

Illustration for 外貨 (foreign currency)

More examples

このカードなら、数種類の外貨で支払えます。ko no kā do na ra sū shu rui no gai ka de shi hara e ma su

With this card, you can pay in several foreign currencies.

Core concept

Describes currency viewed as coming from beyond the borders of the country where it is being used or discussed.

Common phrases

  • 外貨を両替するgai ka o ryō gae su ru

    exchange foreign currency

  • 外貨預金gai ka yo kin

    foreign currency deposit

  • 外貨で表示するgai ka de hyō ji su ru

    display in foreign currency

  • 外貨を送金するgai ka o sō kin su ru

    send foreign currency

Definition in Japanese

外国で発行された、自国とは異なる国の通貨。gai koku de hak kō sa re ta ji koku to wa koto na ru kuni no tsū ka

Word origin

外貨 (gaika) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 外 (gai, "outside") and 貨 (ka, "money or goods"), so its literal structure points to money from abroad.

Usage tips

  • A traveler carries foreign currency as physical notes or coins, but foreign exchange can refer more broadly to currency conversion, rates, or the financial market.

Other meanings

  • foreign exchangenoun

Word lists with this word