Opening an account
Opening a bank account in Japan: the Japanese you need
You've just joined the travel agency where Yoko works, and payroll needs an account. She's come on her lunch break, since she's walked new colleagues through this more times than she can count. Yoko speaks first, in polite Japanese: です and ます, the way people talk with strangers, neighbors, and coworkers. Here is how it can begin, and the phrases and words worth having ready.
politeWith Yoko, at the bank
How Yoko opens the conversation
Yoko always speaks first. This is the scene's own opening line, with a reply you could give back at the same level:
印鑑とパスポートはお持ちですか？
Inkan to pasupōto wa omochi desu ka?
Do you have your seal and your passport with you?
You could say
はい、両方持ってきました。
Hai, ryōhō motte kimashita.
Yes, I brought both.
Other ways it can begin
No two conversations go the same way, and the first line changes too. Each of these can open the scene:
番号札、もう取りましたか？
Bangōfuda, mō torimashita ka?
Did you already take a number ticket?
You could say
はい、取りました。
Hai, torimashita.
Yes, I took one.
今日は空いていますね。よかったです。
Kyō wa suite imasu ne. Yokatta desu.
It's not crowded today. What a relief.
You could say
本当ですね。安心しました。
Hontō desu ne. Anshin shimashita.
It really isn't. I'm relieved.
この書類、一緒に書きましょうか。
Kono shorui, issho ni kakimashō ka.
Shall we fill out this form together?
You could say
はい、お願いします。助かります。
Hai, onegai shimasu. Tasukarimasu.
Yes, please. That's a big help.
暗証番号は、もう決めましたか？
Anshō bangō wa, mō kimemashita ka?
Have you decided on your PIN yet?
You could say
まだです。今考えます。
Mada desu. Ima kangaemasu.
Not yet. I'll think of one now.
実は私も、この銀行なんです。
Jitsu wa watashi mo, kono ginkō nan desu.
Actually, I bank here too.
You could say
そうなんですか。安心しますね。
Sō nan desu ka. Anshin shimasu ne.
Really? That's reassuring.
Phrases worth knowing here
Lines for what you do at the bank, each with when you'd say it.
- 口座を開きたいんですが。Kōza o hirakitai n desu ga.I'd like to open an account.Your opening line at the counter, or when Yoko tells you to say it.
- 給料の振込用です。Kyūryō no furikomi-yō desu.It's for salary deposits.When the teller asks what the account will be used for.
- 印鑑は必要でしょうか。Inkan wa hitsuyō deshō ka.Do I need a personal seal?Checking what you have to hand over; a common worry for newcomers.
- ここは何を書けばいいですか。Koko wa nani o kakeba ii desu ka.What should I write here?Pointing at a box on the form and asking Yoko for help.
- カードはいつ届きますか。Kādo wa itsu todokimasu ka.When will the card arrive?Near the end, once the paperwork is done.
Words you'll hear
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 口座 | kōza | bank account |
| 普通預金 | futsū yokin | ordinary savings account |
| 印鑑 | inkan | personal seal, stamp |
| 身分証明書 | mibun shōmeisho | ID document |
| 記入 | kinyū | filling in (a form) |
| 用紙 | yōshi | form, blank sheet |
| 暗証番号 | anshō bangō | PIN number |
| 窓口 | madoguchi | service counter |
| 通帳 | tsūchō | bankbook, passbook |
| 番号札 | bangōfuda | numbered queue ticket |
How polite to be
polite Here Yoko speaks polite Japanese: です and ます, the way people talk with strangers, neighbors, and coworkers, and the replies suggested to you match the level you'd use back. The guide to keigo explains the three levels, and when each is right.
Try it out loud
In Unsubtitled, Yoko says these lines in their own voice, and answers whatever you say back, typed or dictated, with furigana, romaji, and a translation until you no longer need them.
Start talkingMore scenes with Yoko
- First day at the office陽子（ようこ） · Officepolite
- Planning a trip陽子（ようこ） · Travel agencyformal
- Celebrating a finished project陽子（ようこ） · Izakayacasual
- Registering where you live陽子（ようこ） · Ward officepolite
- A stain before a meeting陽子（ようこ） · Dry cleanerpolite
- A trip to the dentist陽子（ようこ） · Dental clinicpolite
- Checking in陽子（ようこ） · Airportformal
- A job interview陽子（ようこ） · Interview roomformal
- A hot spring getaway陽子（ようこ） · Hot spring townformal
Or see every scene, with all four characters.