当座

• Reading: とうざ
• Romaji: toza
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (tou) — current, present; 座 (za) — seat, immediate place
• Pronunciation: /to.ː.za/

Meaning

For the time being; current account; immediate. Either a temporary stopgap measure or a bank current account for frequent transactions.

A noun with two distinct uses: (1) 当座預金 (toza yokin) is a current or demand deposit account used for frequent business transactions, bearing no interest — the backbone of corporate cash management; (2) 当座の means 'for the time being' or 'for now,' describing a measure adopted as a short-term fix. The shared nuance is immediacy and short-term horizon.

Examples

1. 取引先との決済には当座預金口座を使用している。 A current deposit account is used for settlements with business partners.
2. 当座の資金繰りをしのぐため、短期借入を行った。 A short-term loan was taken out to manage cash flow in the interim.
3. 当座の問題は解決したが、根本的な対策はまだ先になる。 The immediate problem has been resolved, but a fundamental solution is still some way off.

Usage Guide

Context: banking, cash management, temporary measures

Tone: technical

Origin & History

From 当 (tou) meaning 'present, current' and 座 (za) meaning 'seat, place.' Originally referred to the present moment or immediate circumstance; the financial meaning developed from the concept of an 'on-the-spot' account.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: Business professionals

Social background: Corporate