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What is the Kanji for "Gold"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Gold", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Gold" is "金".

This kanji has 4 readings:

Its kunyomi readings are "Kane" and "Kana".

Its onyomi readings are "Kin" and "Kon".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "全" means "Whole" and "All" and can be read as "Zen", "Matta" and "Sube". And The radical "丷" means "Divide" .

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "金" mean in japanese?

"金" means "Gold" .

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in First Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N5 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

金曜日: "Friday". The Japanese noun '金曜日 (きんようび)' means 'Friday'. It is one of the days of the week in the Japanese calendar. The word is composed of three kanji: 金 (きん, meaning 'gold' or 'metal'), 曜 (よう, meaning 'day of the week'), and 日 (び, meaning 'day'). Together, they form the word for Friday. Example sentences: Today is Friday「今日は金曜日です」(きょうはきんようびです). I have a meeting on Friday「金曜日に会議があります」(きんようびにかいぎがあります).
: "Money" or "Metal". The Japanese noun '金 (かね)' has two primary meanings: 'money' and 'metal'. When referring to 'money', it is used in contexts involving currency, wealth, or financial transactions. For example: I need money「お金が必要です」(おかねがひつようです). When referring to 'metal', it describes the material itself, such as gold, silver, or other metallic substances. For example: This ring is made of metal「この指輪は金属でできています」(このゆびわはきんぞくでできています). The meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used.
年金: "Pension". The Japanese noun '年金 (ねんきん)' refers to a 'pension', which is a regular payment made during retirement, typically funded by contributions made during one's working years. This term is commonly used in discussions about retirement planning, social security, and financial stability for the elderly. For example: I receive a pension「私は年金をもらっています」(わたしはねんきんをもらっています). The pension system is important for the elderly「年金制度は高齢者にとって重要です」(ねんきんせいどはこうれいしゃにとってじゅうようです). It's important to note that '年金' can refer to both public and private pension schemes.
金融: "Finance". The Japanese noun '金融 (きんゆう)' refers to 'finance' or 'monetary circulation'. It is commonly used in contexts related to banking, investment, and the management of money. For example: The finance industry is growing「金融業界は成長している」(きんゆうぎょうかいはせいちょうしている). He works in finance「彼は金融で働いている」(かれはきんゆうではたらいている). The term can also be used in broader contexts, such as discussing economic policies or financial systems. It is a key term in business and economic discussions in Japan.
資金: "Funds". The Japanese noun '資金 (しきん)' refers to 'funds' or 'capital'. It is commonly used in financial contexts to describe money that is available for a specific purpose, such as investment, business operations, or personal use. For example: We need funds to start the project「プロジェクトを始めるために資金が必要です」(ぷろじぇくとをはじめるためにしきんがひつようです). The company raised funds for expansion「会社は拡張のための資金を調達しました」(かいしゃはかくちょうのためのしきんをちょうたつしました). This word is often used in formal or business settings and can refer to both large and small amounts of money.
金額: "Amount". The Japanese noun '金額 (きんがく)' refers to the 'amount' of money, specifically the sum or total of a monetary value. It is commonly used in contexts involving transactions, payments, or financial discussions. For example: The total amount is 10,000 yen「金額は1万円です」(きんがくはいちまんえんです). Please check the amount on the receipt「領収書の金額を確認してください」(りょうしゅうしょのきんがくをかくにんしてください). This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
貯金: "Savings". The Japanese verbal noun '貯金 (ちょきん)' refers to the act of saving money or the money that has been saved. It is commonly used in contexts related to personal finance, banking, or setting aside funds for future use. For example: I am saving money for a trip「旅行のために貯金しています」(りょこうのためにちょきんしています). She has a lot of savings「彼女はたくさん貯金があります」(かのじょはたくさんちょきんがあります). The word can also be used in compound phrases like '貯金箱 (ちょきんばこ)' (piggy bank) or '貯金通帳 (ちょきんつうちょう)' (savings passbook).
料金: "Fee". The Japanese noun '料金 (りょうきん)' refers to a fee or charge for a service or product. It is commonly used in contexts such as transportation, utilities, or services. For example: The train fee is expensive「電車の料金は高いです」(でんしゃのりょうきんはたかいです). Please pay the parking fee「駐車料金を払ってください」(ちゅうしゃりょうきんをはらってください). This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
金もうけ: "Moneymaking". The Japanese verbal noun '金もうけ (かねもうけ)' refers to the act of making money or earning a profit. It is often used in contexts where the focus is on generating income, whether through business, investments, or other means. This term can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context, implying a focus on profit over other considerations. Example sentences: He is only interested in moneymaking「彼は金もうけにしか興味がない」(かれはかねもうけにしかきょうみがない). Moneymaking is not the only goal in life「金もうけだけが人生の目標ではない」(かねもうけだけがじんせいのもくひょうではない).
借金: "Debt". The Japanese verbal noun '借金 (しゃっきん)' means 'debt'. It refers to money that is borrowed and must be repaid, often with interest. This term is commonly used in financial contexts, such as personal loans, mortgages, or business debts. For example: I have a lot of debt「私は借金が多い」(わたしはしゃっきんがおおい). He paid off his debt「彼は借金を返した」(かれはしゃっきんをかえした). The word can also imply a sense of obligation or burden, as in '借金を抱える (しゃっきんをかかえる)' (to be saddled with debt).
金利: "Interest". The Japanese noun '金利 (きんり)' refers to 'interest' in the financial sense, specifically the cost of borrowing money or the return on invested funds. It is commonly used in contexts related to banking, loans, and investments. For example: The interest rate is high「金利が高い」(きんりがたかい). I checked the interest on my savings account「貯金の金利を確認した」(ちょきんのきんりをかくにんした). This term is essential in financial discussions and is often paired with words like 'loan' (ローン) or 'savings' (貯金).
現金: "Cash". The Japanese adjectival noun '現金 (げんきん)' primarily means 'cash'. It refers to physical money in the form of bills or coins, as opposed to digital or credit-based transactions. This term is commonly used in contexts involving payments, transactions, or financial discussions. For example: I paid in cash「現金で払いました」(げんきんではらいました). Do you accept cash?「現金で払えますか?」(げんきんではらえますか?). It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is 'practical' or 'pragmatic', but this usage is less common and context-dependent.
金色: "Gold". The Japanese noun '金色 (きんいろ)' means 'gold' or 'golden color'. It refers to the color or appearance of gold, often used to describe something that shines or has a metallic gold hue. This word is commonly used in contexts related to art, nature, or objects with a golden appearance. For example: The sunset was golden「夕日は金色だった」(ゆうひはきんいろだった). The statue is painted in gold「その像は金色に塗られている」(そのぞうはきんいろにぬられている). Note that '金色' specifically refers to the color or appearance, not the material itself.
税金: "Tax". The Japanese noun '税金 (ぜいきん)' means 'tax'. It refers to the mandatory financial charge or levy imposed by the government on individuals or entities to fund public expenditures. This word is commonly used in discussions about finances, government policies, or personal budgeting. For example: I paid my taxes「税金を払いました」(ぜいきんをはらいました). The tax rate increased this year「今年は税金が上がりました」(ことしはぜいきんがあがりました). It is important to note that '税金' is a general term and can refer to various types of taxes, such as income tax, sales tax, or property tax.
金属: "Metal". The Japanese noun '金属 (きんぞく)' means 'metal'. It refers to any of the elements or alloys that are typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity. This word is commonly used in scientific, industrial, and everyday contexts. For example: this tool is made of metal「この道具は金属でできている」(このどうぐはきんぞくでできている). Gold is a precious metal「金は貴金属です」(きんはききんぞくです). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something strong or unyielding, as in '彼の意志は金属のように強い' (かれのいしはきんぞくのようにつよい) (His will is as strong as metal).
賃金: "Wages". The Japanese noun '賃金 (ちんぎん)' refers to 'wages' or 'pay' that a worker receives in exchange for their labor. It is commonly used in contexts related to employment, labor laws, and economics. For example: The wages are low「賃金が低い」(ちんぎんがひくい). He received his wages「彼は賃金を受け取った」(かれはちんぎんをうけとった). This term is often used in formal or business settings and can be associated with discussions about fair pay, minimum wage, or salary negotiations.
金庫: "Safe". The Japanese noun '金庫 (きんこ)' refers to a 'safe' or 'vault', typically used to store valuable items such as money, jewelry, or important documents. It is commonly found in homes, businesses, or banks. For example: The money is kept in the safe「お金は金庫に保管されています」(おかねはきんこにほかんされています). They opened the safe to retrieve the documents「彼らは書類を取り出すために金庫を開けました」(かれらはしょるいをとりだすためにきんこをあけました). The word can also metaphorically refer to a secure place or repository for something valuable.
金銭: "Money". The Japanese noun '金銭 (きんせん)' refers to 'money' in a general sense, often emphasizing its tangible or financial aspect. It is commonly used in formal or legal contexts to discuss financial matters, transactions, or wealth. For example: money is important in life「金銭は人生で重要です」(きんせんはじんせいでじゅうようです). He lost all his money「彼は金銭をすべて失った」(かれはきんせんをすべてうしなった). The word can also carry a slightly formal or serious tone, distinguishing it from more casual terms like 'お金 (おかね)'.
入金: "Deposit". The Japanese noun '入金 (にゅうきん)' refers to a 'deposit' or the act of depositing money into an account. It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as banking, business transactions, or personal finance. For example: The deposit has been confirmed「入金が確認されました」(にゅうきんがかくにんされました). Please make a deposit by tomorrow「明日までに入金してください」(あしたまでににゅうきんしてください). This term is often used in formal or business settings and is essential for discussing payments, transfers, or financial records.
敷金: "Deposit". The Japanese noun '敷金 (しききん)' refers to a 'deposit' paid when renting a property, such as an apartment or house. This deposit is typically paid to the landlord or property owner at the beginning of the lease and is intended to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. It is common in Japan for the deposit to be non-refundable or partially refundable, depending on the terms of the rental agreement. For example: The deposit for this apartment is high「このアパートの敷金は高いです」(このアパートのしききんはたかいです). I paid the deposit when I moved in「引っ越しの時に敷金を払いました」(ひっこしのときにしききんをはらいました). Note that '敷金' is often used alongside '礼金 (れいきん)', which is a non-refundable 'key money' payment also common in Japanese rental agreements.
金持ち: "Rich". The Japanese noun '金持ち (かねもち)' means 'rich' or 'wealthy'. It refers to someone who possesses a significant amount of money or wealth. This term is often used to describe individuals who have financial abundance. For example: he is rich「彼は金持ちだ」(かれはかねもちだ). That family is wealthy「あの家族は金持ちだ」(あのかぞくはかねもちだ). The word is a combination of '金 (かね)', meaning 'money', and '持ち (もち)', meaning 'holding' or 'possessing'. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe financial status.
奨学金: "Scholarship". The Japanese noun '奨学金 (しょうがくきん)' refers to a 'scholarship', which is financial aid awarded to students to help pay for their education. This term is commonly used in academic contexts and can refer to both merit-based and need-based scholarships. For example: I received a scholarship「奨学金をもらいました」(しょうがくきんをもらいました). She applied for a scholarship「彼女は奨学金に申し込んだ」(かのじょはしょうがくきんにもうしこんだ). It is important to note that '奨学金' is often associated with higher education, such as university or graduate school, and can cover tuition, living expenses, or both.
大金: "Large amount of money". The Japanese noun '大金 (たいきん)' refers to a 'large amount of money'. This word is often used to describe a significant sum of money, either in the context of wealth, expenses, or financial transactions. It carries a nuance of something substantial or noteworthy in terms of monetary value. For example: He inherited a large amount of money「彼は大金を相続した」(かれはたいきんをそうぞくした). Spending a large amount of money on a car「車に大金を使う」(くるまにたいきんをつかう). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the scale of the financial amount being discussed.
代金: "Payment". The Japanese noun '代金 (だいきん)' refers to the payment or price for goods or services. It is commonly used in contexts involving transactions, such as purchasing items or paying for services. For example: Please pay the amount「代金を払ってください」(だいきんをはらってください). The payment for the meal is 5000 yen「食事の代金は5000円です」(しょくじのだいきんはごせんえんです). This word is often used in formal or business settings, and it emphasizes the monetary aspect of a transaction.
送金: "Remittance". The Japanese verbal noun '送金 (そうきん)' refers to the act of sending money, typically through a bank or other financial institution. It is commonly used in contexts involving transferring funds to someone else, whether domestically or internationally. For example: I sent a remittance to my family「家族に送金しました」(かぞくにそうきんしました). The remittance fee is high「送金手数料が高い」(そうきんてすうりょうがたかい). This term is often used in business and personal finance contexts, and it implies a formal or official process of transferring money.
黄金: "Gold". The Japanese noun '黄金 (おうごん)' means 'gold'. This term refers to the precious metal gold, known for its value and luster. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something as valuable or precious as gold. For example: The treasure was made of gold「その宝物は黄金でできていた」(そのたからものはおうごんでできていた). Her hair shone like gold「彼女の髪は黄金のように輝いていた」(かのじょのかみはおうごんのようにかがやいていた). The term is often used in literature and poetry to evoke a sense of richness and beauty.
預金: "Deposit". The Japanese verbal noun '預金 (よきん)' refers to the act of depositing money into a bank or financial institution, or the money that has been deposited. It is commonly used in contexts related to banking and finance. For example: I made a deposit at the bank「銀行に預金をした」(ぎんこうによきんをした). The deposit earns interest「その預金は利息がつく」(そのよきんはりそくがつく). This term is often used in formal or financial contexts, and it can refer to both the action of depositing and the deposited funds themselves.
罰金: "Fine". The Japanese noun '罰金 (ばっきん)' refers to a monetary penalty or fine imposed as punishment for breaking a law or rule. It is commonly used in legal or formal contexts. For example: He had to pay a fine for speeding「彼はスピード違反で罰金を払わなければならなかった」(かれはスピードいはんではっきんをはらわなければならなかった). The company received a fine for violating environmental regulations「その会社は環境規制違反で罰金を科された」(そのかいしゃはかんきょうきせいいはんではっきんをかされた). Note that '罰金' specifically refers to a financial penalty and is distinct from other forms of punishment like imprisonment.

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "き" is read as "ki". The hiragana "ん" is read as "n". The hiragana "か" is read as "ka". The hiragana "ね" is read as "ne". The hiragana "な" is read as "na". And The hiragana "こ" is read as "ko".