Translation guide
The English word "deficit" refers to a shortage or lack, most commonly in financial contexts (budget deficit, trade deficit) but also in general contexts (attention deficit, deficit of trust). In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is lacking.
A situation where expenses exceed income, or there is a negative balance, especially for governments, companies, or budgets.
Literally 'red figures', this is the standard term for a financial deficit or being in the red. Used for budgets, businesses, and trade balances.
国の財政赤字が拡大している。
The national budget deficit is expanding.
この会社は長年赤字が続いている。
This company has been running a deficit for years.
A more formal or technical term for a loss or deficit, often used in accounting or legal contexts. Can also mean a physical defect or missing part.
General word for shortage or insufficiency. Can be used for budget shortfalls, but is broader than 赤字.
A situation where a country's imports exceed its exports.
The standard term for trade deficit.
日本の貿易赤字が過去最大となった。
Japan's trade deficit reached a record high.
More explicitly 'deficit in the trade balance'.
貿易収支の赤字が続いている。
The trade balance deficit continues.
A deficiency or insufficient amount of something abstract or concrete, such as attention, trust, or resources.
The most common and versatile word for a shortage or lack. Can be used for tangible things (water, money) and abstract things (sleep, information).
睡眠不足で集中できない。
I can't concentrate due to a sleep deficit.
人手不足が深刻だ。
The labor shortage is serious.
A formal term for a lack or absence, often used for abstract qualities like trust, morality, or skills.
A strong word for scarcity or dearth, often used for essential resources like food, water, or vitamins. More intense than 不足.
Referring to attention deficit disorder or a general lack of focus.
Used in the medical term for ADHD: 注意欠陥・多動性障害 (ADHD).
注意欠陥・多動性障害（ADHD）
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A more general, non-medical term for lack of attention or carelessness.
注意不足によるミスが多発している。
Mistakes are occurring frequently due to attention deficit / lack of attention.
赤字 is specifically for financial deficits (in the red). 不足 is a general shortage of anything. 欠如 is a formal lack of abstract qualities. Use 赤字 for budgets and trade, 不足 for everyday shortages, and 欠如 for formal writing about missing qualities.
赤字が続くと倒産する。
If the deficit continues, the company will go bankrupt.
水不足が心配だ。
I'm worried about the water shortage.
責任感の欠如が原因だ。
A deficit of responsibility is the cause.
赤字 literally means 'red figures' and is only used for financial losses. Using it for a shortage of sleep or trust would be unnatural. Use 不足 or 欠如 instead.
政府は赤字削減に取り組んでいる。
The government is trying to reduce the deficit.
両国間には信頼の欠如がある。
There is a deficit of trust between the two countries.
当期純欠損は100万円でした。
The net deficit for the current period was 1 million yen.
The budget is in deficit / insufficient.
The deficit of trust is the problem.
ビタミン欠乏症
vitamin deficiency (medical term)