Translation guide
The English word "pension" refers to a regular payment made to a retired person. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 年金 (nenkin), which covers both public and private pension systems. However, there are also words for specific types of pensions, such as corporate pensions or one-time retirement payments.
To refer to a regular payment received after retirement, typically from a government or employer scheme.
The general term for a pension, covering both public and private systems. This is the most common and natural word.
老後は年金で生活しています。
I live on my pension in my old age.
年金制度について学ぶ。
Learn about the pension system.
Specifically refers to a government pension, especially for former public servants or military personnel. This is a formal, somewhat dated term.
彼は軍人恩給を受けている。
He receives a military pension.
To refer to a pension provided by a company or private institution, often as part of employee benefits.
Specifically a corporate pension plan. Commonly used in business contexts.
この会社は企業年金制度が充実している。
This company has a well-developed corporate pension plan.
To refer to a lump-sum payment given upon retirement, which is common in Japan instead of or in addition to a monthly pension.
A lump-sum retirement payment. This is not a recurring pension but is often what English speakers might call a "pension" in the context of a one-time payout.
退職金で家を買いました。
I bought a house with my retirement lump sum.
To refer to a small hotel or boarding house, especially in Europe, offering lodging and sometimes meals.
A loanword from English, used in Japanese to refer to a Western-style guesthouse or small hotel, often in resort areas. It does not mean retirement income.
This word only means a guesthouse, not a retirement pension. Do not use it for retirement income.
軽井沢のペンションに泊まった。
I stayed at a pension in Karuizawa.
The English word "pension" is often directly translated as ペンション, but this means a guesthouse in Japanese. For retirement income, always use 年金 or a related term.
年金 (nenkin) is a recurring payment (like a monthly pension), while 退職金 (taishokukin) is a one-time lump sum given at retirement. Many Japanese companies provide both, but they are distinct concepts.
The Employees' Pension Insurance, a public pension for company employees in Japan. Often translated as "welfare pension" or "employee pension."
厚生年金に加入しています。
I am enrolled in the employees' pension insurance.
A retirement pension, often used for corporate pensions or individual retirement plans.
退職年金を積み立てる。
Build up a retirement pension.