What does bani mean?
Bani is the plural of the ban, the smaller unit of currency in Romania and Moldova, where one hundred bani make up a single leu. The word functions much like 'cents' does for the dollar or euro, appearing chiefly in contexts involving prices, exchange rates, accounting, and everyday commerce in those countries. Because Romania's economy has seen significant inflation and redenomination over the decades, individual bani often represent very small values in practice, and prices are frequently quoted directly in lei instead. Beyond its monetary role, 'bani' has entered informal South Asian English as a casual synonym for money in general, giving the word a second, more colloquial life far from the Balkans. Its origin traces to the historical title 'ban', borne by regional governors in parts of Central and Southeastern Europe, a heritage that survives in place names such as the Banat region. For travelers, economists, and word lovers alike, bani is a small word with a surprisingly deep history rooted in medieval European administration.
The plural of ban, the fractional monetary unit of Romania and Moldova, equal to one hundredth of a leu.
"Bus fares in Chișinău are still counted in bani on the older ticket machines."
Used almost exclusively in reference to Romanian or Moldovan currency.
(South Asian English, informal) Money in general.
"He never seems to have enough bani by the end of the month."
Colloquial; not standard in British or American English.
'Bani' is already a plural form (of 'ban') and does not take a further plural ending.
"She paid the exact fare: three lei and fifty bani."
If you have just one bani, you technically don't have any bani at all — you have a ban.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bani
The Romanian 'ban' (and its plural 'bani') derives from the medieval title 'ban', borne by governors or military leaders in regions such as Croatia, Bosnia, and Wallachia. The precise further origin of this title is debated, though it is generally linked to South Slavic usage. The currency name was adopted in the 19th century when modern Romanian coinage was established, and Moldova retained the same subdivision after introducing the leu following independence.
How bani is actually used
In financial contexts, 'bani' is used exactly as written when referring to amounts of Romanian or Moldovan currency; like most foreign-currency subunits, it appears mainly in economic writing, travel guides, and pricing. The slang usage for money is informal and largely restricted to South Asian English.
Easily confused with bani
'Ban' is the singular subunit of the leu, while 'bani' is its plural form.