(りょうがえき)

りょうがえき
noun
change machine, currency exchange machine
1. change machine
A machine that exchanges bills for coins or breaks larger denominations into smaller ones. Common at arcades, laundromats, and vending machine areas.
両替機(りょうがえき)小銭(こぜに)()える。
Exchange for coins at the change machine.
ゲームセンターには両替機(りょうがえき)がある。
There are change machines at the arcade.
コインランドリーの両替機(りょうがえき)千円札(せんえんさつ)しか使(つか)えない。
The change machine at the laundromat only accepts 1,000 yen bills.

A machine that exchanges bills for coins or breaks larger denominations into smaller ones.

WORD FORMATION:
両替(りょうがえ) (money exchange) + () (machine). The suffix ~() is used for many types of machines: 洗濯機(せんたくき) (washing machine), 自販機(じはんき) (vending machine).

COMMON LOCATIONS:

  • ゲームセンター (arcade)
  • コインランドリー (laundromat)
  • 駐車場(ちゅうしゃじょう) (parking lot)
  • 自販機(じはんき)コーナー (vending machine area)
  • 銀行(ぎんこう) (bank)

RELATED TERMS:

  • 両替(りょうがえ): money exchange
  • 両替(りょうがえ)する: to exchange money
  • 小銭(こぜに): small change, coins

CULTURE:
Still common in Japan where cash is widely used. Many machines only accept specific denominations, so 両替機(りょうがえき) are essential at coin-operated facilities.