Translation and Meaning of: 通貨 - tsuuka

The Japanese word 通貨 (つうか) is essential for those who want to understand about economy, travel, or business in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese refer to "currency" or "money in circulation," you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you master like this in a practical way.

Meaning and Use of 通貨

通貨 (つうか) literally means "current currency" or "money in circulation." Unlike words like お金 (おかね), which refers to money in a general sense, 通貨 has a more technical meaning, related to the monetary system. It is used to talk about foreign currencies (外貨) or the national currency (国内通貨).

In everyday life, you may hear 通貨 in contexts like exchange, banks, or economic news. For example, when exchanging dollars for yen, a Japanese person might say: "この通貨のレートはどうですか？" (How is the rate of this currency?). It is a formal term, but essential for those dealing with finance.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The word 通貨 is formed by two kanjis: 通 (つう), which means "to " or "to circulate," and 貨 (か), which refers to "goods" or "merchandise." Together, they create the idea of "value that circulates," perfectly reflecting the concept of currency. This combination is not exclusive to Japanese – in Chinese, 通貨 (tōnghuò) also means "current currency."

It is worth noting that 貨 appears in other related words, such as 貨幣 (かへい, "metal money") and 貨物 (かもつ, "commercial cargo"). This kanji has ancient roots linked to trade in East Asia. If you want to memorize 通貨, thinking about the connection between "circular" and "value" may help.

Curiosities and Cultural Context

In Japan, 通貨 is not a word used in casual conversations – it appears more in newspapers, documents, or discussions about the economy. An interesting fact: the yen (円) has been the only official 通貨 of the country since 1871, replacing the complex system of regional coins from the Edo period. This shows how the term is connected to monetary unification.

Another interesting point is that, although Japan is highly digitized, the culture of physical money is still strong. Expressions like 現金通貨 (げんきんつうか, "cash currency") are common, contrasting with global trends. For students, observing currency exchange ments at airports or train stations is a great way to reinforce the term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 貨幣 (Kahai) - Currency in general includes all types of money used in transactions.
• 金銭 (Kinsen) - Money, especially in the context of values or amounts, is not restricted to coins and banknotes.
• 通貨制度 (Tsūka Seido) - Monetary system refers to the set of rules and regulations that govern the issuance and circulation of currency in a country.
• 通貨単位 (Tsūka Tan'i) - Monetary unit, as the currency is applied, such as the yen, dollar, etc.