Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cash" in Korean
“Cash” in Korean is 현금 (pronounced "Hyeongeum").
현금
Hyeongeum
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
Physical currency. While Korea is highly cashless, some traditional markets and small restaurants are cash-only. 현금 영수증 (hyeongeum yeongsujeung, cash receipt) is important for Korean tax receipt culture — customers can request and register cash receipts for tax benefits.
Example Sentence
여기 현금만 받나요? 카드도 되나요?
Do you only accept cash here? Is card also okay?
How to use 현금 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cash” is 현금, romanized as Hyeongeum.
Usage tip
Shopping Korean usually sounds more natural when you use short polite questions instead of translating English directly.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 현금.
Pronunciation Guide
Say '현' like 'hyun' in 'Hyundai' (but with a softer 'h' sound), and '금' like 'geum' which rhymes with 'goom' in 'groom'. The 'eo' in 'hyeon' is like the 'uh' in 'butter'.
More Example Sentences
A small shop owner informing a customer.
죄송하지만 저희는 현금만 받아요. 카드는 안 돼요.
Sorry, but we only accept cash. Cards are not accepted.
A vendor offering a cash discount.
현금으로 계산하면 좀 더 싸게 해줄 수 있어요.
If you pay with cash, I can give you a bit of a discount.
Someone realizing they need to withdraw money.
지갑에 현금이 하나도 없어서 ATM에 들러야겠어요.
I don't have any cash in my wallet, so I need to stop by an ATM.
Cultural Context
While South Korea is one of the most cashless societies globally, 현금 (hyeongeum) is still essential in certain situations. Traditional markets, small street food stalls (포장마차, pojangmacha), or very local eateries might prefer or even only accept cash. The concept of 현금 영수증 (hyeongeum yeongsujeung, cash receipt) is also unique, allowing consumers to register cash purchases for year-end tax deductions, making cash transactions still relevant for tax benefits.
Editorial note
We review entries like 현금 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
현금으로 계산하다
To pay with cash
현금 인출기
ATM (cash dispenser)
현금 영수증
Cash receipt (for tax purposes)
Related Expressions
돈
Don
Money (general term)
카드
Kadeu
Card (credit/debit card)
계좌이체
Gyejwaite
Bank transfer
지폐
Jipye
Banknote, paper money
More Shopping Words
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