Translation guide
The state of being successful, especially financially. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words that emphasize wealth, economic success, or general flourishing. The most common term is 繁栄 (han'ei), used for societies and businesses. For personal financial success, 裕福 (yūfuku) or 豊か (yutaka) are more natural. Be careful with literal translations; some English phrases like 'prosperity gospel' require specific terms.
Describing the economic success and growth of a country, city, business, or community.
The standard term for prosperity of a nation, city, or organization. Often used in formal or written contexts.
この国の繁栄は貿易に支えられている。
The prosperity of this country is supported by trade.
会社の繁栄のために尽力する。
I will do my best for the prosperity of the company.
Specifically refers to business thriving, like a shop or restaurant doing well. Common in everyday speech.
あの店はいつも繁盛している。
That shop is always thriving.
A literary term for prosperity, often used in historical or formal contexts. Implies a peak of success.
江戸時代の隆盛を極めた文化。
The culture that reached its peak of prosperity in the Edo period.
Describing an individual's wealth or comfortable financial situation.
Means wealthy or well-off. Describes a person or family with ample financial resources. Neutral and common.
彼は裕福な家庭に育った。
He grew up in a prosperous family.
Broadly means abundant or rich, not only financially but also in terms of life quality. Often used in phrases like 豊かな生活 (affluent life).
Literally 'to succeed economically'. A more direct way to express achieving financial prosperity.
彼は若くして経済的に成功した。
He achieved financial prosperity at a young age.
Expressing a state of thriving in a broader sense, including health, happiness, and success.
Means happiness or well-being. Often used in contexts like 'prosperity and happiness' (幸福と繁栄).
皆様のご多幸とご繁栄をお祈りします。
I wish you all happiness and prosperity.
Verb meaning to prosper or flourish. Can be used for cities, families, or businesses.
Common expressions used in greetings, toasts, or formal wishes for someone's success.
A formal phrase meaning 'I pray for your prosperity'. Used in business letters or speeches.
貴社のますますのご繁栄をお祈り申し上げます。
I wish your company continued prosperity.
A common wish for business prosperity, often seen on charms or heard in greetings. Literally 'business thriving'.
商売繁盛を願って、だるまを買った。
I bought a daruma doll wishing for business prosperity.
The English term 'prosperity gospel' is a specific religious concept. In Japanese, it is usually translated as 繁栄の福音 (はんえいのふくいん) or explained as 繁栄神学 (はんえいしんがく). Do not use 裕福 here, as it sounds odd in this context.
繁栄の福音は一部の教会で説かれている。
The prosperity gospel is preached in some churches.
繁栄 (han'ei) is for large-scale prosperity (nations, companies). 繁盛 (hanjō) is for business thriving (shops, restaurants). 裕福 (yūfuku) is for personal wealth. Choose based on the subject.
I want to live a prosperous life.
この町は昔、港として栄えた。
This town once prospered as a port.