Translation guide
The system of money used in a country, or the state of being current or widely accepted.
日本の通貨は何ですか？
What is the currency of Japan?
The type of money used in a particular country.
The standard term for 'currency' as a country's monetary system.
日本の通貨は円です。
The currency of Japan is the yen.
Refers to physical money (coins and notes), often in economic or historical contexts.
この国では古い貨幣がまだ使われている。
Old currency is still used in this country.
Money from another country, especially when exchanging or traveling.
Foreign currency. Commonly used in contexts like exchange and reserves.
空港で外貨に両替した。
I exchanged money for foreign currency at the airport.
The state of being commonly accepted, used, or believed.
The state of being in common use or accepted as valid. Often used for ideas, words, or customs.
その言葉はもう通用していない。
That word is no longer in currency.
Spread or circulation of information, rumors, etc. More literary.
その噂が広く流布している。
That rumor has wide currency.
通貨 is the general term for a country's currency system. 貨幣 emphasizes physical coins and notes, often in historical or economic discussions. 外貨 specifically means foreign currency.
The loanword カレンシー exists but is rarely used outside technical financial contexts. Stick to 通貨 for most situations.