預金(よきん)

預金(よきん) refers to money deposited in a bank account. The kanji break down as 預(よ) (entrust/deposit) + 金(きん) (money). It functions as a noun and as a する verb (預金(よきん)する = to deposit money).

TYPES OF DEPOSITS:

• 普通(ふつう)預金(よきん): ordinary savings account (most common)
• 定期(ていき)預金(よきん): fixed-term deposit (higher interest, locked period)
• 当座(とうざ)預金(よきん): checking/current account

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

• 預金(よきん)する: to deposit money
• 預金(よきん)を下(お)ろす: to withdraw money
• 預金(よきん)残高(ざんだか): account balance
• 預金(よきん)通帳(つうちょう): bankbook, passbook

CONTRAST WITH 貯金(ちょきん):
預金(よきん) refers specifically to bank deposits, while 貯金(ちょきん) means savings in general (including piggy banks, etc.). 貯金(ちょきん) is more casual and broader in scope.