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銀行
ginkō
bank
銀行にお金を預ける。
I deposit money in the bank.
Finance
formal
An institution that provides financial services, such as accepting deposits and lending money.
銀行で口座を開きました。
I opened a bank account.
銀行から融資を受ける。
Receive a loan from the bank.
銀行 can refer to any financial institution, not just commercial banks.
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 銀行 from other financial terms
銀行 specifically refers to a bank, while 金融機関 (kin'yū kikan) is a broader term for financial institutions including banks, credit unions, and insurance companies.
Gold Rule
Using 銀行 in sentences
Always use the correct particle with 銀行. For example, 銀行に (to the bank) or 銀行で (at the bank).
Word Origin
From 銀 (gin, 'silver') + 行 (kō, 'institution' or 'to go'). The term reflects the historical use of silver as currency in banking transactions.
Usage Notes
銀行 is a formal term. In casual conversation, people may use 銀行 (ginkō) or simply 銀 (gin) as shorthand in context.
Word Breakdown
銀
silver
root行
institution or to go
root和英辞典