Translation and Meaning of: 銀行 - ginkou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you have probably come across the word 銀行[ぎんこう]. It is essential for anyone who wants to talk about finance or deal with everyday situations in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as interesting facts that make this word even more intriguing. Whether for study or simply to satisfy your curiosity, here you will find valuable information about 銀行[ぎんこう].

Meaning and Translation of 銀行[ぎんこう]

The word 銀行[ぎんこう] means "bank," referring to the financial institution where people deposit, withdraw, or invest money. It is a common term in everyday Japanese, especially in cities with heavy commercial activity. If you have visited Japan, you have probably seen signs with this kanji in bank branches or ATMs.

It's worth noting that 銀行[ぎんこう] does not refer to a bank in the physical sense (like a seat), but exclusively to the financial establishment. This distinction is important to avoid confusion, as in Portuguese the same word can have different meanings depending on the context.

Origin and Composition of Kanjis

The word 銀行[ぎんこう] is formed by two kanjis: 銀 (gin, meaning "silver") and 行 (kō, which can mean "line" or "to go"). The combination of these characters reflects the idea of a place where precious metals were stored or traded in the past. This origin dates back to the Edo period, when the trade of silver and gold was centralized in currency exchanges.

It is interesting to note that the kanji 行 also appears in other words related to business and transactions, such as 商売[しょうばい] (trade) and 旅行[りょこう] (travel). This connection helps to understand how the Japanese language associates financial concepts with ideas of movement and exchange.

Everyday Expressions and Common Phrases

In everyday life, 銀行[ぎんこう] appears in various situations, from informal conversations to formal transactions. Phrases like 銀行に行きます[ぎんこうにいきます] ("I’m going to the bank") or 銀行でお金をおろす[ぎんこうでおかねをおろす] ("Withdraw money at the bank") are common among Japanese and foreigners living in the country.

Additionally, the term is often used in combination with other kanji to specify types of banks, such as 都市銀行[としぎんこう] (city bank) or 地方銀行[ちほうぎんこう] (local bank). Knowing these variations can be helpful for those who need to deal with different financial institutions in Japan.

Tips for Memorizing 銀行[ぎんこう]

An effective way to this word is to associate the kanji 銀 (silver) with the concept of money, as historically silver was used as a currency. On the other hand, the kanji 行 can be linked to the idea of movement, as in "going to the bank." This mental association helps to solidify the meaning more naturally.

Another tip is to practice with real situations, such as identifying bank signs in animes, dramas, or even on Google Street View. The more you expose yourself to the term in authentic contexts, the easier it will be to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 銀行 (Ginkou) - Bank