1.
cryptocurrency, virtual currency
Digital currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralized networks, typically blockchain technology. Not issued by a central bank or government.
ETYMOLOGY: 仮想 (virtual) + 通貨 (currency). The term emphasizes that this currency exists only digitally, not as physical coins or bills.
TERMINOLOGY NOTE: Japan officially uses 暗号資産 (cryptographic assets) in legal and regulatory contexts since 2019, but 仮想通貨 remains the common everyday term.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 仮想通貨を購入する (to purchase cryptocurrency)
- 仮想通貨に投資する (to invest in cryptocurrency)
- 仮想通貨取引所 (cryptocurrency exchange)
- 仮想通貨ウォレット (cryptocurrency wallet)
- 仮想通貨マイニング (cryptocurrency mining)
RELATED TERMS:
Related Words
Related:
ブロックチェーン (underlying technology)