Translation guide
The English word "token" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a physical object representing value (like a coin or voucher), a symbolic gesture, and a digital security token. Less common or technical meanings are omitted.
A physical object used in place of money, or as a voucher for a service.
Loanword from English, widely understood for arcade tokens, game center coins, or similar substitutes for currency.
ゲームセンターでトークンを買った。
I bought tokens at the arcade.
General word for 'coin', often used for tokens that function like coins (e.g., laundry tokens, locker tokens).
洗濯機にコインを入れてください。
Please put a token in the washing machine.
Formal term for 'token currency' or 'substitute money'. Used in economic or historical contexts.
この代用貨幣は１９世紀に使われていた。
These tokens were used in the 19th century.
An action or small gift that represents a feeling or intention, not its material value.
Means 'sign' or 'mark'. Used in phrases like 'token of gratitude' or 'token of appreciation'.
感謝の印としてこれを受け取ってください。
Please accept this as a token of my gratitude.
Means 'proof' or 'evidence'. Often used for a token of love or friendship.
Literally 'just my feelings'. Used when giving a small gift to emphasize it's the thought that counts, similar to 'a small token of my appreciation'.
気持ちだけですが、どうぞ。
It's just a small token, but please take it.
A device or code used for authentication in digital systems.
Same loanword, used in IT contexts for hardware or software tokens (e.g., one-time password tokens).
ログインするにはセキュリティトークンが必要です。
You need a security token to log in.
English 'token' in phrases like 'token of appreciation' is not translated as トークン. Use 印 (しるし) or 証 (あかし) instead. トークン is only for physical or digital tokens.
感謝の印
token of gratitude
This is a token of my love.
Specifically 'authentication token'. Common in IT documentation.
認証トークンが無効です。
The authentication token is invalid.