Translation guide
A small coin made of copper, used historically or in fantasy contexts. In modern Japan, copper-colored coins exist but are not pure copper.
Referring to a coin made of copper, often in historical or fantasy settings.
Standard term for a copper coin, used in historical or fantasy contexts.
昔は銅貨が広く使われていた。
In the past, copper coins were widely used.
Another term for copper coin, often used in historical contexts, especially for Chinese-style coins.
この銅銭は江戸時代のものだ。
This copper coin is from the Edo period.
Referring to a modern Japanese coin that is copper-colored, though not pure copper.
The 10-yen coin, which is copper-colored (bronze). Commonly referred to as a copper coin in casual English, though technically bronze.
十円玉を貯金箱に入れた。
I put a 10-yen coin in the piggy bank.
The 5-yen coin, which is brass (golden-colored), but sometimes loosely called a copper coin by English speakers. Less accurate.
Not actually copper; use only if the color is the focus.
五円玉は金色だけど、銅貨とは呼ばない。
The 5-yen coin is gold-colored, but it's not called a copper coin.
Referring to any small copper-colored coin, often in the context of small change.
General term for small change or coins, often copper-colored. Not specific to copper.
小銭がたくさんある。
I have a lot of small change.
Literally 'copper-colored coin'. Used when you want to emphasize the color rather than the material.
銅色の硬貨を見つけた。
I found a copper-colored coin.
In modern Japan, coins like the 10-yen and 5-yen are copper-colored but are made of bronze and brass respectively. They are not called 銅貨 (copper coin) in Japanese. Use specific names like 十円玉 or 五円玉 instead.