Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cash" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cash", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
レジ
レジ (reji)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
現金
げんきん (genkin)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cash" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between レジ and 現金.
In Japanese, レジ (レジ (reji)) is typically associated with "cash register / checkout counter" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A common abbreviation of 'cash register'.
On the other hand, 現金 (げんきん (genkin)) maps to "cash" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to physical money. A literal translation of "cash" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "レジ"
スーパーでレジに並びます。
I queue up at the checkout counter in the supermarket.
Bilingual Context for "現金"
この店では現金しか使えません。
Only cash can be used at this store.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "スーパーで ＿＿＿ に並びます。" (Meaning: "I queue up at the checkout counter in the supermarket.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "レジ" fits here because it means "cash register / checkout counter" in the context of: "I queue up at the checkout counter in the supermarket.". "現金" represents "cash".