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How to Say ‘I only have 1,000 yen in cash.’ in Japanese

現金は千円しかないんです。

genkin wa sen en shika nai n desu

[gen-keen wah sen en shika Nai n dess]

💬 Usage Tip: The んです ending turns the sentence into an explanation of your situation. It's the natural way to soften bad news like this.

Phrase Breakdown

現金は

genkin wa

as for cash

現金 (genkin) means 'cash'. は is read 'wa' and marks the topic.

Example

現金は使えますか？

Can I use cash?

Words in this phrase

現金

genkin

[gen-keen]

cash

Physical money like bills and coins.

Example

現金で払います。

I will pay in cash.

は

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

Are there any seats available?

千円しかないんです。

sen en shika nai n desu

I only have 1,000 yen

しか + negative means 'only'. ～んです gives an explanatory tone. 'Sen-en shika nain desu.'

Example

小銭しかないんです。

I only have small change.

Words in this phrase

千

sen

[sen]

one thousand

The number one thousand; used as part of a larger price.

Example

千に二百円をたすと、せんにひゃくえんです。

If you add 200 yen to 1,000, it becomes 1,200 yen.

円

[en]

yen

The Japanese currency unit.

Example

チケットは八千円です。

The ticket is 8,000 yen.

しか

shika

[shika]

only

Used to emphasize exclusivity.

Example

君にしかできない仕事。

A job only you can do.

ない

nai

[Nai]

not

Used to make a verb negative.

Example

行かない

I do not go.

ん

[n]

explanatory tone

ん adds an explanatory or noticing tone, like “so...” or “I see...”

Example

そう言うんですね。

So that’s how you say it, huh.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

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