お金を貯める

You use the object marker を between お金 (money) and 貯める (to accumulate). The verb 貯める is transitive. This means you are the one doing the action. You can use it in the present tense to state a goal. Use the continuous form 貯めている to say you are currently in the process. It is very versatile. You can use it with friends, family, or even your boss.

Use this when discussing your financial goals. Are you planning a trip to Tokyo? Tell your friends you are お金を貯める. Are you talking to a bank clerk? This phrase works there too. Use it when you are turning down an expensive dinner invite. It is a polite way to say you are being careful with your cash. It works perfectly in texts, casual chats, or even semi-formal meetings.

Do not use this for saving a computer file. For that, use 保存する. Do not use it for saving a person's life. That would be 助ける. Also, avoid using it if you just mean 'getting a discount.' If you saved five dollars on a shirt, that is 安く買えた, not 貯める. 貯める is about the long-term pile, not a one-time discount. Don't confuse it with 貯まる, which means money accumulates on its own (like interest).

Japan is a culture that deeply values saving. Many people still use physical piggy banks called chokinbako. Children often receive large amounts of cash for New Year's, called otoshidama. Parents usually encourage them to お金を貯める immediately. There is a strong social pride in having a healthy savings account. Even in a digital world, many Japanese people keep track of their savings in physical bank passbooks. It represents stability and foresight.

A very common variation is 貯金する. This specifically means to put money into a bank account. お金を貯める is broader and can include cash under your mattress. Another one is 節約する, which means to cut back on spending or 'economize.' If you are really serious, you might use 蓄える, which sounds a bit more formal and heavy. For small change, you might hear 小銭を貯める.