Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'a small sum of money' depends on context. Common words include 少額 (small amount of money), 小銭 (small change/coins), and はした金 (trifling sum, often negative). The choice depends on formality and nuance.
To refer to a small sum of money in a neutral or formal context, such as in business or official settings.
The most standard and neutral term for a small amount of money. Used in formal and written contexts.
少額の寄付でも助かります。
Even a small donation helps.
少額投資から始められます。
You can start with a small investment.
Synonym of 少額, but slightly less common. Interchangeable in most contexts.
小額の手数料がかかります。
A small handling fee will be charged.
To refer to physical coins or a small amount of cash, often in everyday situations.
Refers to coins or small change. Very common in daily conversation.
小銭がたくさんある。
I have a lot of small change.
小銭を募金箱に入れた。
I put some coins in the donation box.
Literally 'small money', a common phrase for small change or small bills. More colloquial than 小銭.
細かいお金を持っていますか？
Do you have any small change?
To express that an amount of money is so small it's almost worthless, often with a dismissive or derogatory tone.
A derogatory term for a paltry sum, implying it's beneath consideration. Often used in negative contexts.
そんなはした金では生活できない。
I can't live on such a paltry sum.
Same as はした金, but written with different kanji. Conveys a small, insignificant amount.
Literally 'a tiny amount of money'. More neutral than はした金, but still emphasizes smallness.
わずかな金のために争うのはばかげている。
It's foolish to fight over such a small sum of money.
To refer to a small sum in very casual conversation, often among friends.
A casual phrase meaning 'a little bit of money'. Softens the statement.
ちょっとしたお金を貸してくれない？
Can you lend me a little money?
Means 'a small amount of money', slightly more formal than ちょっとしたお金 but still used in speech.
少しばかりのお金を寄付した。
I donated a small sum of money.
The phrase 'small sum' is not directly translated as 小さい合計 (chiisai goukei) or 小さな金額 (chiisana kingaku) in natural Japanese. While 小さな金額 is understandable, it sounds unnatural. Use 少額 or context-appropriate terms instead.
少額 (shougaku) refers to the amount of money in abstract terms, suitable for formal contexts. 小銭 (kozeni) specifically means coins or physical small change, used in everyday situations.
It's nothing but a trifling sum.