Translation guide
The English word "rich" covers wealth, abundance, intensity, and quality. Japanese uses different words depending on the meaning. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Describing a person, family, or country with a lot of money or assets.
The most common and neutral way to say "rich person." Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼はお金持ちだ。
He is rich.
お金持ちの家に生まれた。
I was born into a rich family.
A slightly more formal na-adjective meaning "affluent" or "well-off." Often used in writing or polite speech.
裕福な家庭で育った。
I grew up in a wealthy household.
Loanword from English, used in casual contexts or marketing. Can sound trendy or slightly superficial.
リッチな生活に憧れる。
I long for a rich lifestyle.
Describing food, soil, resources, or experiences that are full of a desirable quality.
Na-adjective meaning "abundant," "rich in," or "plentiful." Used for nature, culture, emotions, and resources.
この国は資源が豊かだ。
This country is rich in resources.
豊かな自然に囲まれている。
Surrounded by rich nature.
Na-adjective meaning "abundant" or "plentiful," often used with specific nouns like 種類 (variety) or 栄養 (nutrition).
この料理は栄養が豊富だ。
This dish is rich in nutrients.
Na-adjective meaning "rich" in taste or texture, like a thick, creamy soup or a dense flavor. Often used for food.
Describing something vivid, deep, or strong in sensory quality.
I-adjective meaning "deep" or "thick" for colors, flavors, and smells. The most common word for "rich color."
濃い赤色が好きだ。
I like rich red colors.
このコーヒーは濃い。
This coffee is strong/rich.
Phrase meaning "having depth," used for rich, complex flavors or sounds.
深みのある味わい。
A rich, deep flavor.
Describing land or soil that is good for growing plants.
Describing something that contains a lot of a quality, like history, culture, or meaning.
Verb phrase meaning "to be rich in ~." Used for abstract qualities like history, talent, or variety.
この町は歴史に富んでいる。
This town is rich in history.
彼は才能に富んでいる。
He is rich in talent.
Describing something expensive-looking, elegant, or high-class.
Na-adjective meaning "luxurious," "gorgeous," or "lavish." Used for interiors, meals, events.
豪華なホテルに泊まった。
We stayed at a rich/luxurious hotel.
Na-adjective/noun meaning "luxury" or "extravagance." Can imply indulgence.
Describing something with a lot of variety, like a program, curriculum, or experience.
Past tense of 充実する, used as an adjective meaning "fulfilling," "substantial," or "rich in content."
充実した毎日を送っている。
I lead a rich/fulfilling life every day.
内容が充実している。
The content is rich/substantial.
金持ち (かねもち) only means "wealthy." Using it for "rich flavor" or "rich soil" is incorrect. Use the specific words listed above.
豊か (ゆたか) is for abundance (resources, nature, heart), while 濃い (こい) is for density or intensity (color, taste, smell). Don't mix them up.
濃厚なチョコレートケーキ。
A rich chocolate cake.
贅沢なディナーを楽しんだ。
We enjoyed a rich/luxurious dinner.