日銀が政策金利を1.25%に引き上げ、31年ぶりの高水準

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is September twentieth. The Bank of Japan has raised its key interest rate to the highest level in thirty-one years. Let's listen.

Now let's break it down, sentence by sentence.

On September eighteenth, at its monetary policy meeting, the Bank of Japan decided to raise the policy interest rate by zero point two five points, to around one point two five percent.

It means the policy interest rate — the base rate set by the central bank.

A rate of one point two five percent is the highest level in about thirty-one years.

It means a level or standard.

At the meeting, seven of the nine members voted in favor and two voted against.

It means agreement — voting for something.

The main reason for the rate hike is the risk that prices could rise sharply.

It means prices — the general cost of goods and services.

Because of rising crude oil prices and the weak yen, imported goods are getting more expensive.

It means a weak yen — the yen losing value against other currencies.

At a press conference, Governor Ueda said the policy has entered a new phase.

It means a phase or situation.

People with variable-rate mortgages may see their monthly repayments go up.

It means repayment — paying back borrowed money.

On the other hand, interest rates on bank deposits are expected to rise.

It means a bank deposit — money you keep in the bank.

Let's listen to the whole story one more time.

Time for a short quiz. Listen and try to answer.

To around one point two five percent.

The risk that prices could rise sharply.

Their monthly loan repayments.

That's all for today. Interest rates shape everything from mortgages to savings — a big shift for daily life in Japan. See you next time.