what connection does yen(currency) have with circle which is also pronounced the same way - Feed Post by marabean
what connection does yen(currency) have with circle which is also pronounced the same way
posted by marabean
Comments 4
My understanding is that the kanji by itself refers to money. But I believe that, when combined with other kana and/or kanji next to it, the phrase refers to "round". 高円寺 (こうえんじ) train station would mean"tall round temple".- Also, I believe all ancient Japanese currency before 1900 was round, hence the dual meaning.
All I know is that for China, it was called "yuan," which also means circle. This is because the currency itself used to be bits of circular metal with a hole in the center for convenience, so people could keep their money looped through their belts.
Since Japan takes the sound readings from China (onyomi), maybe this is where it's from?- Oh and nice Armin profile pic you got there xD Mine's sasha!! Shingeki ftw
