Translation guide
Expresses how someone earns enough money to live. Japanese uses set phrases like 生計を立てる or 食べていく, and the best choice depends on formality and whether you emphasize the job, the income, or just getting by.
To say that someone works to support themselves financially, in a neutral or slightly formal way.
The most direct equivalent. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. Often followed by the means of earning.
彼は翻訳で生計を立てている。
He makes a living as a translator.
How do you make a living?
Literally 'earn living expenses'. More concrete and slightly less formal than 生計を立てる.
アルバイトで生活費を稼いでいます。
I make a living with part-time jobs.
Literally 'eat and go on', meaning to earn enough to get by. Very common in casual conversation.
音楽だけで食べていくのは難しい。
It's hard to make a living just from music.
Similar to 生計を立てる but slightly more literary or old-fashioned.
彼女は小さな店で暮らしを立てている。
She makes a living with a small shop.
To specify the job or activity that provides income.
Attach the job or activity to で. The standard pattern.
彼は絵を描くことで生計を立てている。
He makes a living by painting.
Casual version. Often used with だけで (only by) or なんとか (somehow).
ユーチューブで食べていけるの？
Can you make a living on YouTube?
Literally 'do ~ and live'. Emphasizes the lifestyle aspect.
農業をして細々と暮らしている。
He makes a modest living farming.
To express that someone earns just enough to survive, often with difficulty.
Adds 'somehow' to the casual 食べていく. Implies struggling but managing.
フリーランスでどうにか食べています。
I'm barely making a living as a freelancer.
Means living frugally or on a small scale. Often used for modest self-employment.
田舎で細々と暮らしています。
I'm making a humble living in the countryside.
Literally 'not troubled for food'. Means earning enough to not starve, but not much more. Somewhat rough or masculine.
今の仕事で食うに困らない程度は稼げる。
With my current job I can make enough to get by.
To say someone earns a comfortable or high income.
Means to live well, implying a good income. Natural in conversation.
彼はIT企業でいい暮らしをしている。
He makes a good living at an IT company.
Literally 'earn enough'. Can imply a comfortable income.
彼女は弁護士として十分に稼いでいる。
She makes a good living as a lawyer.
To emphasize the source of income, such as writing, art, or investments.
Very casual and blunt. Common among men. 食う is a rougher version of 食べる.
株で食ってるんだ。
I make a living from stocks.
Literary expression meaning '~ is my livelihood'. Used in writing or formal speech.
執筆が彼の生活の糧だ。
Writing is how he makes a living.
生計を立てる is neutral/formal and fits most situations. 食べていく is casual and implies just getting by. Use 生計を立てる in writing or polite conversation; use 食べていく with friends.
どうやって生計を立てていますか？ (polite)
How do you make a living? (polite)
どうやって食べてるの？ (casual)
How do you make a living? (casual)
Do not translate 'make a living' word-for-word as 生活を作る or 生きるを作る. These are unnatural and not understood. Use the set phrases above.
芸術家として生計を立てるのは難しい。
It's hard to make a living as an artist.
小さな店でどうにか食べています。
I barely make a living with my small shop.