Satoshi (unit)

The term "satoshi" in use on a message board

A satoshi is currently the smallest unit of the bitcoin currency usable on the block chain. It is a one hundred millionth of a single bitcoin (0.00000001 BTC). The unit has been named in collective homage to the original creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto.

All amounts in the block chain are denominated in satoshi before being converted for display. The source code also uses satoshi when specifying an amount of bitcoin.

Usage

Plural

Traditionally, the plural form has been simply satoshi, but the term satoshis is also very prevalent. If the plural form were to follow the rules of Japanese grammar, it may be pronounced as satoshi, satoshisa, or satoshi-tachi. Other alternatives, including satoshii, have been suggested.

Symbol

Satoshi is sometimes abbreviated to sat. or s.

The Japanese character シ ("shi") has been proposed as a potential currency symbol for the satoshi. The Katakana symbol サ ("sa") has also been proposed, as it looks more reminiscent of a currency symbol. The circled shi (㋛) has been suggested to disambiguate the symbol from the character, as it is synonymous with death. Additionally, the Hiragana shi (し) is a suggestion.

More elaborate and meaningful symbols have been considered, including 聡, the kanji designated to Satoshi Nakamoto. 龘, literally "the appearance of a dragon taking flight", has also been suggested. However, it is unlikely that an overly complicated symbol would be adopted.