Translation guide
Ways to talk about where your money comes from in Japanese, from formal terms to casual expressions.
To refer to a source of income in a neutral or formal context.
The most direct and common translation for 'source of income'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼の主な収入源は投資です。
His main source of income is investments.
収入源を多様化することが大切です。
It's important to diversify your sources of income.
A more formal term, often used in economic or tax contexts. '所得' specifically means 'income'.
所得源の申告が必要です。
You need to declare your sources of income.
To talk about a job or employment as the way you earn money.
Simply 'income'. Often used in phrases like '収入がある' (have an income) or '収入を得る' (earn income).
安定した収入がある仕事を探しています。
I'm looking for a job with a stable income.
To make a living. Emphasizes the activity that supports your life financially.
彼は絵を描いて生計を立てています。
He makes a living by painting.
Literally 'to go on eating', meaning to earn enough to live on. Casual and common.
フリーランスで食べていくのは大変だ。
It's tough to make a living as a freelancer.
To refer to additional income beyond a main job.
Side income, secondary income. Commonly used for part-time jobs or freelance work.
副収入を得るために週末にアルバイトをしています。
I work a part-time job on weekends to earn extra income.
To describe income from investments, rent, or other non-labor sources.
Unearned income, passive income. Often used in financial contexts.
不労所得だけで生活できるようになりたい。
I want to be able to live off passive income alone.
Rental income. Specifically income from renting out property.
家賃収入が主な収入源です。
Rental income is my main source of income.
Dividends. Income from stocks or investments.
To politely inquire how someone earns money.
Polite way to ask 'What is your occupation?'. Indirectly asks about income source.
ご職業は何ですか？
What do you do for a living?
More direct: 'How do you make a living?'. Slightly formal.
どうやって生計を立てていますか？
How do you make a living?
Very casual and direct: 'Where's your income from?'. Use only with close friends.
Can be too direct or rude if used inappropriately.
収入は何から？
Where do you get your income?
収入源 is the general term for 'source of income' and is widely used. 所得源 is more technical and often appears in legal or tax documents. For everyday conversation, stick with 収入源.
The phrase 'source of income' is not always translated word-for-word. In casual contexts, Japanese speakers often use simpler expressions like 収入 or 仕事 (job) to convey the same idea.
Side business. Often implies a more entrepreneurial venture than a simple part-time job.
サイドビジネスで月に5万円稼いでいます。
I make 50,000 yen a month from my side business.
配当収入で生活しています。
I live off dividend income.