お金

• Reading: おかね
• Romaji: okane
• Kanji breakdown: 金 (kin/kane) — gold, metal, money
• Pronunciation: /o.ka.ne/

Meaning

Money. The standard polite word for money in everyday Japanese.

The お prefix is an honorific that is always attached; 金 alone (かね) sounds blunt or rough. This is one of the first words N5 learners encounter for discussing prices, shopping, and daily transactions. Used in many common expressions like お金がある (to have money) and お金を払う (to pay money).

Examples

1. お金が足りません。 I don't have enough money.
2. 財布にお金を入れました。 I put money in my wallet.
3. お金を使いすぎました。 I spent too much money.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, daily life, banking

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of the honorific prefix お (o) + 金 (kane, metal/gold). Historically, 金 referred to gold and other metals used as currency. The honorific お became permanently attached due to the cultural sensitivity around discussing money directly.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal