Meaning and Usage
The word "金" (かね) primarily means "gold" or "metal" but is also commonly used to refer to "money" in everyday conversation. It is a versatile noun appearing in various contexts, from jewelry and precious metals to financial matters.
Common Collocations
- 金曜日 (きんようび): Friday, literally "gold day," a common weekday name.
- 金の指輪 (きんのゆびわ): gold ring, referring to jewelry made of gold.
- 金がない (かねがない): no money, a common phrase expressing lack of funds.
Usage Notes
When used as "かね," it often refers to money in casual speech. In compound words or formal contexts, the reading "きん" is more common, especially when referring to the metal or days of the week. Learners should be careful not to confuse the reading and meaning depending on context. For example, "金曜日" (Friday) uses "きん," not "かね."