Meaning and Usage
"小遣い" (こづかい) refers to pocket money or an allowance, typically given regularly to children or sometimes to adults for personal expenses. It is a common term in everyday Japanese when discussing small amounts of money for discretionary spending.
Common Contexts
This word is often used when talking about money given by parents to children, or by employers to employees for minor expenses. It can also appear in conversations about budgeting personal spending.
Collocations and Patterns
- 小遣いをもらう: to receive pocket money
- 小遣いをあげる: to give pocket money
- 小遣いを節約する: to save pocket money
These phrases help express typical actions related to 小遣い.
Register and Nuance
"小遣い" is casual and neutral, suitable for daily conversation. It implies a relatively small amount of money for personal use, not large sums.
Common Learner Mistake
Confusing "小遣い" with "お小遣い" (adding honorific お) is common. Both are correct, but "お小遣い" sounds more polite or affectionate, often used by parents talking to children. Use "小遣い" in neutral contexts.