Noun
/jen/
The term "yen" primarily has two meanings: 1. A form of currency in Japan, which is widely known and used in international trade. 2. A strong desire or craving for something, often used in informal contexts.
In the English language, "yen" as currency is used predominantly in written contexts such as financial articles, news reports, and travel guides. Its usage in oral speech might frequently occur among business professionals or travelers familiar with currency exchange.
"Yen" as a noun meaning a strong desire is somewhat informal and can appear in both spoken and written forms, though it is more common in colloquial conversation.
I exchanged my dollars for yen at the airport.
Eu troquei meus dólares por ienes no aeroporto.
After months of dieting, she had a yen for chocolate cake.
Depois de meses de dieta, ela sentiu uma vontade de comer bolo de chocolate.
The word "yen" is frequently used in idiomatic expressions related to desires, cravings, or needs. Here are some examples:
He has a yen for adventure that never seems to fade.
Ele tem uma vontade de aventura que parece nunca desaparecer.
She expressed a yen for travel after hearing about her friend's trip.
Ela expressou um desejo de viajar depois de ouvir sobre a viagem de sua amiga.
Ever since he started the new diet, he's been fighting a yen for sugar.
Desde que começou a nova dieta, ele tem lutado contra a vontade de açúcar.
My yen for knowledge keeps me reading every day.
Minha vontade de conhecimento me faz ler todos os dias.
The word "yen" is derived from the Japanese word "円" (en), which means "circle" and is the symbol for the Japanese currency. The term entered the English language in the late 19th century during Japan's modernization and increasing interaction with Western economies.
Synonyms: - For Currency: Japanese yen; - For Desire: craving, longing, desire.
Antonyms: - For Desire: aversion, indifference.