Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deposit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deposit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
預ける
あずける (azukeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
預金
よきん (yokin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deposit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 預ける and 預金.
In Japanese, 預ける (あずける (azukeru)) is typically associated with "to deposit; to leave with; to entrust" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving money, objects, or responsibility to someone to look after or keep safely. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 預かる. Often used as 荷物を預ける or 銀行にお金を預ける. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To deposit! "Haruka-san, I am depositing my entire future and heart into your hands!" ...っ! T-To deposit your heart! B-Baka! Don't say such heavy, sweet things! But... since I am the ultimate reliable banker of your life, I will lock your heart inside my chest and protect it forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あずける（預ける）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のすべての将来と、燃えるようなこのハートを、あなたの両手に直接預けます！』って…っ！ハートの預け入れ！バカ！/// そんな重くて甘いものをさらっと託すんじゃないの！…でも、私の愛の金庫は宇宙一強固なんだから、あんたのハートを一生厳重に保管してあげるわ！』.
On the other hand, 預金 (よきん (yokin)) maps to "deposit (money in a bank)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically refers to money stored in a bank account. Can be a noun or a verb. A literal translation of "deposit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "預ける"
出張に向かう前に、彼は重いスーツケースを駅のロッカーやホテルのフロントに一時的に_______。
Before heading out for the business trip, he temporarily left his heavy suitcase at the station locker or hotel front desk.
Bilingual Context for "預金"
銀行に預金があります。
I have a deposit in the bank.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "出張に向かう前に、彼は重いスーツケースを駅のロッカーやホテルのフロントに一時的に_______。" (Meaning: "Before heading out for the business trip, he temporarily left his heavy suitcase at the station locker or hotel front desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "預ける" fits here because it means "to deposit; to leave with; to entrust" in the context of: "Before heading out for the business trip, he temporarily left his heavy suitcase at the station locker or hotel front desk.". "預金" represents "deposit (money in a bank)".