財布

• Reading: さいふ
• Romaji: saifu
• Kanji breakdown: 財 (sai/zai) — wealth, property; 布 (fu/nuno) — cloth, textile
• Pronunciation: /sa.i.ɸɯ/

Meaning

Wallet; purse; coin purse. A personal item for carrying money, cards, and identification.

Japan remains a relatively cash-heavy society, so wallets are important everyday items. Japanese wallets often have coin compartments since coins go up to 500 yen. Long wallets (長財布) and folding wallets (二つ折り) are both popular styles.

Examples

1. 財布にお金が入っていません。 There is no money in my wallet.
2. 財布を家に忘れました。 I left my wallet at home.
3. この財布はとてもきれいですね。 This wallet is very beautiful, isn't it?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, shopping, personal items

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 財 (sai/zai, wealth/property) + 布 (fu, cloth). Originally referred to a cloth pouch for carrying money.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal