小切手(こぎって)

FINANCIAL TERM:
小切手(こぎって) is a check (cheque) - a written order to a bank to pay money.

KEY EXPRESSIONS:

• 小切手(こぎって)を振(ふ)り出(だ)す: to write/issue a check
• 小切手(こぎって)を切(き)る: to write a check
• 小切手(こぎって)を換金(かんきん)する: to cash a check
• 小切手(こぎって)を入金(にゅうきん)する: to deposit a check

TYPES:

• 普通(ふつう)小切手(こぎって): Regular check
• 線引(せんびき)小切手(こぎって): Crossed check (must be deposited, not cashed)
• 当座(とうざ)小切手(こぎって): Cashier's check
• 旅行(りょこう)者(しゃ)小切手(こぎって): Traveler's check

MODERN USAGE IN JAPAN:

Unlike in some Western countries, checks are relatively rare in everyday Japanese life. Most transactions use:

• 現金(げんきん): Cash
• 銀行(ぎんこう)振込(ふりこみ): Bank transfer
• クレジットカード: Credit card
• 電子(でんし)マネー: Electronic money

Checks are still used in business transactions, especially for large amounts.

RELATED TERMS:

• 手形(てがた): Promissory note
• 当座(とうざ)預金(よきん): Checking account