Below is the Alt code keyboard shortcut for inserting the Japanese Yen sign currency symbol. This symbol is also used as the Chinese Yuan sign currency symbol (Renminbi). If you are new to ALT codes and need detailed instructions on how to use them, please read How to Use ALT Codes to Enter Special Characters. The Alt code for the Yen and Yuan (¥) sign on Windows systems is 157 or 0165. To enter the Yen and Yuan symbol using the Alt code, hold down the Alt key and, while keeping it pressed, type 157 or 0165 using the numeric keypad. Then, release the Alt key, and the Yen and Yuan symbol (¥) should appear. On an Apple Mac US keyboard, press the Option key and the letter Y key simultaneously. Please note that Alt codes may not work in all applications or with all keyboard configurations, as it depends on the specific settings and character encoding. If these methods do not work, simply copy and paste the Yen and Yuan sign below.
Click the Yen sign / Yuan sign symbol to copy:
¥
| Symbol | ¥ |
| Symbol Name | Yen sign Yuan sign |
| Windows Alt Code | ALT 157 or ALT 0165 |
| Windows Alt X Code | 00A5 ALT X |
| Mac Option Key Shortcut | Option + y |
| HTML Entity Named Character Reference | ¥ |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Hexadecimal) | ¥ |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Decimal) | ¥ |
| Unicode Code Point | U+00A5 |
| Symbol | ￥ |
| Symbol Name | Fullwidth yen sign |
| Windows Alt Code | ALT 65509 |
| Windows Alt X Code | FFE5 ALT X |
| Mac Option Key Shortcut | n/a |
| HTML Entity Named Character Reference | n/a |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Hexadecimal) | ￥ |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Decimal) | ￥ |
| Unicode Code Point | U+FFE5 |
Origin, Meaning and Usage of the Yen / Yuan Currency Symbol ¥
The Yen and Yuan sign (¥) is a currency symbol used to represent the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, respectively. While both currencies use the same symbol, they are distinct and associated with their respective countries.
- Japanese Yen (¥):
The Japanese Yen (¥) is the official currency of Japan. The symbol ¥ is derived from the Japanese writing system, specifically the kanji character “円” (pronounced “en”) meaning “circle” or “yen.” The symbol represents a circular coin with a hole in the center, which was historically used as currency in Japan.
The Yen (¥) is widely used in Japan for daily transactions, pricing, and financial activities. It is recognized as a major currency in the global financial system and is traded in international foreign exchange markets.
- Chinese Yuan (¥):
The Chinese Yuan (¥) is the official currency of China. The symbol ¥ is used to represent the Chinese Yuan in mainland China. However, the currency is also referred to as the Renminbi (RMB) in China. While the symbol ¥ is commonly associated with the Chinese Yuan, it is not widely used in international currency trading or as an official currency symbol in global financial systems.
The use of the symbol ¥ for the Chinese Yuan is based on historical reasons and the influence of the Japanese Yen symbol. In some contexts, the abbreviation CNY (Chinese Yuan) or RMB (Renminbi) may be used to specify the currency.
It’s important to note that while the symbol ¥ is used for both the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, the two currencies have different exchange rates and are associated with separate economies.
In summary, the symbol ¥ is used to represent both the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan. It is widely recognized as the currency symbol for the Japanese Yen and is also used for the Chinese Yuan, although the Yuan is more commonly referred to as Renminbi (RMB) within China.
The Yen and Yuan sign (¥) is a part of the set of ALT Codes for Currency Symbols & Signs. For the the complete list of the ASCII based Windows ALT Codes, refer to Windows ALT Codes for Special Characters & Symbols.
