This word is thought to have originated from the Chinese word “yǎn” (“craving”), and was possibly influenced by “yān” (“opium”), as it describes something that induces an intense yearning or longing feeling. However, “yen” isn’t just a noun or verb referring to a longing feeling — it’s also a noun denoting Japan’s currency. While other countries have names for different denominations of their currency — such as the United States’ dollars, quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies — Japanese currency is called “yen” whether it is paper money or a coin.