Japanese word

小銭

Pronunciation

Romajikozeni

Meaning

  • nounpocket change

Example

財布に小銭がありません。sai fu ni ko zeni ga a ri ma se n

I have no pocket change in my wallet.

Illustration for 小銭 (pocket change)

More examples

募金箱に小銭を入れました。bo kin bako ni ko zeni o i re ma shi ta

I put some pocket change in the donation box.

Core concept

Centers on a small amount of readily spendable money, typically coins carried for minor payments.

Common phrases

  • 小銭で払うko zeni de hara u

    pay with coins

  • 小銭を入れるko zeni o i re ru

    put coins in

  • 小銭が足りないko zeni ga ta ri na i

    not have enough change

  • 小銭を数えるko zeni o kazo e ru

    count coins

Definition in Japanese

硬貨を中心とする少額の現金。kō ka o chū shin to su ru shō gaku no gen kin

Word origin

小銭 (kozeni) is a native Japanese compound of 小 (ko, "small") and 銭 (zeni, "coin or money"), with the literal sense "small money."

Usage tips

  • The English phrase pocket change can describe an insignificant amount of money even when no physical coins are involved, while 小銭 (kozeni) usually points to coins or other small-denomination cash.

Other meanings

  • coinsnoun
  • small changenoun

Word lists with this word