Translation guide
The English word "income" refers to money received, especially on a regular basis, from work, investments, or other sources. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 収入 (しゅうにゅう). However, the best choice depends on context: personal vs. business, earned vs. unearned, and formality.
To refer to the money a person or household receives regularly from work, pensions, etc.
The most common and versatile word for 'income'. It covers salary, wages, business earnings, and other regular receipts. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
彼の月収入は30万円です。
His monthly income is 300,000 yen.
収入が増えたので、新しい車を買いました。
My income increased, so I bought a new car.
Often used in tax, legal, and economic contexts. Refers to income after deductions or as a taxable amount. More formal than 収入.
所得税は所得に応じて課税されます。
Income tax is levied according to income.
彼の年間所得は1000万円を超えている。
His annual income exceeds 10 million yen.
Primarily used for business or investment income, meaning 'earnings' or 'revenue'. Not typically used for personal salary.
会社の収益は前年比10%増加した。
The company's income increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
To specifically refer to money earned from employment or labor.
Refers to a salary, typically a fixed monthly amount paid to employees. Very common in everyday conversation.
給料日は毎月25日です。
Payday is the 25th of every month.
給料が上がって嬉しい。
I'm happy my salary went up.
Often used for hourly wages or manual labor income. More formal and often appears in economic or labor discussions.
A casual, somewhat colloquial term for earnings or income from work. Often used in phrases like いい稼ぎ (good income).
To refer to income not derived from labor, such as dividends, rent, or interest.
Literally 'unearned income'. Commonly used for income from investments, rental properties, etc. Neutral to slightly formal.
不労所得だけで生活したい。
I want to live on unearned income alone.
Means 'asset income', covering dividends, interest, and capital gains. More technical and used in financial contexts.
資産所得が増えると税金も増える。
When asset income increases, taxes also increase.
To refer to income at the national level, such as GDP or national income.
Standard term for 'national income' in economics.
国民所得は経済成長の指標です。
National income is an indicator of economic growth.
収入 (しゅうにゅう) is the broad, everyday term for money coming in. 所得 (しょとく) is more formal and often used in tax/legal contexts, referring to income after necessary expenses or as a taxable base. For personal finance, 収入 is safer.
The loanword インカム (inkamu) exists but is rarely used for 'income' in the financial sense. It more often means 'earphone' or 'intercom'. Stick to native Japanese terms.
彼女は収入が多い。
She has a high income.
最低賃金が引き上げられた。
The minimum wage has been raised.
He has a good income.