A1 noun Neutral

銀行

/ɡiŋkoː/

A financial institution where people can safely deposit, withdraw, and save money. It also provides services like currency exchange and loans for individuals and businesses.

Examples

3 of 5
1

銀行へ行ってお金をおろします。

I'm going to the bank to withdraw money.

2

銀行にて法人口座を開設いたします。

I will open a corporate account at the bank.

3

銀行、もう閉まってるかな?

I wonder if the bank is already closed?

Word Family

Noun
銀行
Related
銀行家
💡

Memory Tip

Gin (銀) means silver and Kō (行) means a shop or guild. Think of a 'Silver Shop' where money is kept.

Quick Quiz

新しい____を作りたいので、銀行へ行きます。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 口座

Examples

1

銀行へ行ってお金をおろします。

everyday

I'm going to the bank to withdraw money.

2

銀行にて法人口座を開設いたします。

formal

I will open a corporate account at the bank.

3

銀行、もう閉まってるかな?

informal

I wonder if the bank is already closed?

4

銀行制度の歴史を調査する。

academic

Investigate the history of the banking system.

5

銀行融資の審査には時間がかかります。

business

The screening for a bank loan takes time.

Word Family

Noun
銀行
Related
銀行家

Common Collocations

銀行口座 bank account
銀行振込 bank transfer
銀行員 bank clerk
銀行の窓口 bank teller window
銀行に預ける to deposit in a bank

Common Phrases

銀行に勤める

to work at a bank

銀行を回る

to go around to different banks

ネット銀行

online bank

Often Confused With

銀行 vs 金庫

Refers to a physical safe or vault for storing valuables, whereas 銀行 is the institution.

銀行 vs 郵便局

The post office; while many Japanese people use it for banking (JP Bank), it is a distinct entity from commercial banks.

📝

Usage Notes

In Japan, banks usually close their physical counters at 3:00 PM, though ATMs remain available longer. It is often used with the particle 'ni' or 'e' to indicate direction.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the long 'o' sound at the end, pronouncing it as 'ginko' instead of 'ginkō'.

💡

Memory Tip

Gin (銀) means silver and Kō (行) means a shop or guild. Think of a 'Silver Shop' where money is kept.

📖

Word Origin

Coined during the Meiji period, combining 'gin' (silver, used as currency) and 'kō' (firm/office/row).

Grammar Patterns

銀行に行く (go to the bank) 銀行でお金をおろす (withdraw money at the bank)
🌍

Cultural Context

Japanese banking often still requires a 'hanko' (personal seal) and the use of physical paper passbooks (tsūchō).

Quick Quiz

新しい____を作りたいので、銀行へ行きます。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 口座

Related Grammar Rules

More finance words

節約

A1

The act of using resources such as money, time, or energy in a careful and economical way to avoid waste. It is a common term used when discussing household budgets, environmental conservation, and efficient time management.

引き出し

A1

In a financial context, 'hikidashi' refers to the act of withdrawing money from a bank account or an ATM. While it also commonly means a physical drawer in a desk, it is a fundamental term for managing personal finances in Japan.

試算

B2

A preliminary or trial calculation or estimation. It is used to project future costs, savings, or economic impacts before a final decision is made.

返金

B1

The act of returning money that has already been paid, typically because a product was returned or a service was cancelled.

支給

B1

The provision or payment of money, goods, or benefits, typically from an employer to an employee.

消費税

A1

A value-added tax levied on the sale of goods and services. In Japan, it is typically applied at the time of purchase and is a key part of daily shopping and financial planning.

口座

A1

A bank account or financial record used to manage deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. It is the primary way individuals and businesses interact with financial institutions to store and move money.

手数料

A1

A service fee or commission paid for a specific transaction or administrative task. It is commonly used when talking about banking, ticket purchases, or middleman services.

年金

A1

A regular payment made by the government or a private fund to a person who has retired from work. In Japan, it specifically refers to the national social security system that residents contribute to during their working years to receive benefits in old age.

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