How to Say ‘This car is cash only.’ in Japanese
この車は現金だけなんです。
kono kuruma wa genkin dake na n desu
[kono kuruma wa genkin dake na n desu]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a normal, polite way for a driver to explain a limitation without sounding blunt. In Japan, a short explanation like this often softens bad news more than a bare "no."
Phrase Breakdown
この車は
kono kuruma wa
this car; as for this car
Introduces the topic being discussed.
この車は高いです。
This car is expensive.
Words in this phrase
この
kono
[kono]
this
Points to this specific taxi or vehicle.
この車は現金だけなんです。
This vehicle is cash only.
車
kuruma
[kuruma]
car; vehicle
Refers to the taxi or vehicle being discussed.
この車は現金だけなんです。
This vehicle is cash only.
は
wa
[wa]
topic marker
Marks the taxi as the topic of the explanation.
この車は現金だけなんです。
This vehicle is cash only.
現金だけ
genkin dake
cash only
Means payment is limited to cash.
現金だけです。
It's cash only.
Words in this phrase
現金
genkin
[genkin]
cash
Physical money rather than card or app payment.
この車は現金だけなんです。
This vehicle is cash only.
だけ
dake
[dake]
only; just
Limits accepted payment to cash and nothing else.
この車は現金だけなんです。
This vehicle is cash only.
なんです
na n desu
it is; the explanation is that
Explains the reason or situation in a soft, explanatory way.
高いんです。
The thing is, it's expensive.
Words in this phrase
な
na
[na]
na
Part of the explanatory expression なんです after a noun.
現金だけなんです。
The thing is, it's cash only.
ん
n
[n]
n
Part of the explanatory phrase んです, adding explanation or soft emphasis.
現金だけなんです。
The thing is, it's cash only.
です
desu
[desu]
is; polite copula
Polite sentence ending used in explanations.
この車は現金だけなんです。
This vehicle is cash only.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager