Translation guide
The English word 'profit' can refer to financial gain, benefit, or advantage. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 利益 (rieki) for monetary profit, but other words like 儲け (mōke) or 得 (toku) are used depending on context. This guide covers the main ways to express 'profit' in natural Japanese.
Monetary gain after subtracting costs; the primary meaning in business contexts.
The standard term for profit in business, accounting, and economics. Neutral and widely used.
今年の利益は前年より増えました。
This year's profit increased compared to last year.
会社は大きな利益を上げた。
The company made a large profit.
Colloquial term for profit or earnings, often with a nuance of 'money made' from a deal or business. Slightly informal.
あの商売は儲けが少ない。
That business has little profit.
彼は株でかなりの儲けを出した。
He made a considerable profit from stocks.
Formal term for profit, often used in economic or academic contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
企業の利潤最大化が目的だ。
The goal is maximization of corporate profit.
Something gained that is beneficial, not necessarily money.
Means 'gain' or 'benefit' in a broad sense, often used in everyday situations. Can be monetary or non-monetary.
早起きは得だ。
It pays to get up early. (lit. Getting up early is a profit/benefit.)
この取引はお互いに得がある。
This deal is profitable for both sides.
Can also mean 'benefit' in a general sense, especially in formal contexts.
Loanword from English 'merit', often used for advantages or benefits, especially in comparisons.
The act of gaining profit or benefit from a situation.
Standard phrase meaning 'to gain profit'. Can be used for both monetary and non-monetary contexts.
投資から利益を得た。
I profited from the investment.
Verb meaning 'to make a profit' or 'to earn money'. Colloquial and common in business.
彼は事業で大いに儲けた。
He profited greatly from the business.
Means 'to gain' or 'to benefit', often used in everyday situations. Implies coming out ahead.
早く買えば得をするよ。
You'll profit if you buy early.
The percentage or ratio of profit relative to revenue or cost.
Standard term for profit margin or profit ratio.
この商品の利益率は高い。
The profit margin on this product is high.
Gross profit, often used in accounting.
利益 (rieki) is the formal, standard term for profit in business. 儲け (mōke) is more colloquial and often implies cash earnings or a successful deal. 得 (toku) is the broadest, meaning any kind of gain or benefit, and is used in everyday expressions like 得をする (to profit/benefit).
会社の利益は増えたが、社員の儲けは変わらない。
The company's profit increased, but the employees' earnings haven't changed.
この情報は得になる。
This information will be profitable/beneficial.
English uses 'profit' in many figurative phrases (e.g., 'profit from experience'). In Japanese, direct translation with 利益 may sound unnatural. Use 得 or rephrase with verbs like 学ぶ (manabu, to learn) or 活かす (ikasu, to make use of).
その経験から多くのことを学んだ。
I profited much from that experience. (natural Japanese: I learned a lot from that experience.)
会社の利益は20%増加した。
The company's profits rose by 20%.
議論しても得はない。
There's no profit in arguing.
彼はその状況から利益を得ようとした。
He tried to profit from the situation.
That policy will benefit the people.
このプランのメリットは何ですか？
What are the benefits (profits) of this plan?
粗利益を計算してください。
Please calculate the gross profit.