円

• Reading: えん
• Romaji: en
• Kanji breakdown: 円 (en/maru) — yen, circle, round
• Pronunciation: /eɴ/

Meaning

Yen; the official currency of Japan. Also means circle or round.

A noun serving as the counter for Japanese currency. Placed after a number to indicate the price: 百円 (100 yen), 千円 (1000 yen). The same kanji also means 'circle' or 'round,' read as まる in some contexts. The yen is one of the most traded currencies in the world.

Examples

1. このペンは百五十円です。 This pen costs 150 yen.
2. 日本のお金の単位は円です。 The unit of currency in Japan is the yen.
3. 五百円玉は銀色で大きいです。 The 500-yen coin is silver and large.

Usage Guide

Context: money, shopping, prices

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 圓 (yuán), meaning round or circle. Japan adopted this character for its currency during the Meiji era in 1871. The simplified form 円 replaced the traditional 圓.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal