Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deposit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deposit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
預金
よきん (yokin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
供託
きょうたく (kyōtaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deposit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 預金 and 供託.
In Japanese, 預金 (よきん (yokin)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 供託 (きょうたく (kyōtaku)) maps to "deposit, consignment, official deposit (e.g., of money with a public agency)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Specific legal or official term referring to depositing money, goods, or documents with a public agency or third party for safekeeping or to fulfill a legal obligation.. A literal translation of "deposit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "預金"
銀行に預金があります。
I have a deposit in the bank.
Bilingual Context for "供託"
選挙に出馬するには、一定額の供託金が必要だ。
To run for election, a certain amount of deposit money is required.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行に ___ があります。" (Meaning: "I have a deposit in the bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "預金" fits here because it means "deposit (money in a bank)" in the context of: "I have a deposit in the bank.". "供託" represents "deposit, consignment, official deposit (e.g., of money with a public agency)".