Japanese word

紙幣

Pronunciation

Romajishihei

Meaning

  • nounbanknote

Example

財布から紙幣を出しました。sai fu ka ra shi hei o da shi ma shi ta

I took a banknote out of my wallet.

Illustration for 紙幣 (banknote)

More examples

店員は新しい紙幣を丁寧に数えました。ten in wa atara shi i shi hei o tei nei ni kazo e ma shi ta

The store clerk carefully counted the new banknotes.

Core concept

Represents money in a portable paper form that serves the same payment role as coins.

Common phrases

  • 紙幣を数えるshi hei o kazo e ru

    count banknotes

  • 紙幣を受け取るshi hei o u ke to ru

    receive a banknote

  • 紙幣を発行するshi hei o hak kō su ru

    issue banknotes

Similar words

お札ofuda: A commonly used term for a banknote in everyday speech.
銀行券ginkōken: A note issued by a bank for use as money.
札satsu: An informal term for a banknote in everyday use.

Definition in Japanese

紙に印刷され、金銭として流通する券。kami ni in satsu sa re kin sen to shi te ryū tsū su ru ken

Word origin

紙幣 (shihei) consists of 紙 (shi, "paper") and 幣 (hei, "currency"), so its form and monetary function are both stated in the compound.

Usage tips

  • A banknote is distinguished from a coin by its note form, although some modern banknotes are made of polymer rather than paper.

Word lists with this word