銀

• Reading: ぎん
• Romaji: gin
• Kanji breakdown: 銀 (gin) — silver
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.n/

Meaning

Silver. The precious metal, or things having a silver color or quality.

A noun referring to the metal silver and things associated with it. Common in compounds: 銀行 (ginkou — bank, literally 'silver house'), 銀メダル (silver medal), 銀色 (silver color), 銀座 (Ginza — famous Tokyo district, literally 'silver mint'). Also a shogi piece. Less commonly used alone compared to its many compound forms.

Examples

1. 銀メダルを取って悔し涙を流した。 He won the silver medal and shed tears of frustration.
2. 祖母から銀のネックレスをもらった。 I received a silver necklace from my grandmother.
3. 月の光が銀色に輝いていた。 The moonlight was shining silver.

Usage Guide

Context: metals, sports, jewelry

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 銀 combines 金 (metal) with 艮 (stubborn, firm), indicating a firm, enduring metal. Silver has been valued in Japan since ancient times, with 銀座 (Ginza) named after the Edo-period silver mint.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal