Translation guide
The English word "surplus" refers to an amount that is more than needed. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 余剰 (よじょう), but depending on context, other words like 余り (あまり) or 黒字 (くろじ) may be used. This guide covers the main ways to express surplus in Japanese, from general excess to financial profit.
To describe an amount of something that is left over or exceeds what is needed.
The most direct translation for 'surplus' in a general sense. Used for excess goods, resources, or capacity.
今年は米の余剰が出た。
There was a surplus of rice this year.
余剰人員を削減する。
Reduce surplus personnel.
Common word for 'remainder' or 'leftover'. More casual than 余剰 and often used in everyday speech.
食材の余りでスープを作った。
I made soup with the surplus ingredients.
Means 'extra' or 'excess'. Often used when something is more than necessary, but can imply wastefulness.
余分な脂肪を落とす。
Lose surplus fat.
Means 'excess' or 'surplus' but often carries a negative nuance of being too much. Used in economic contexts like overproduction.
過剰生産が問題になっている。
Surplus production is becoming a problem.
To describe a situation where income exceeds expenditure, or a budget is in the black.
Literally 'black figures', the standard term for a financial surplus or profit. Opposite of 赤字 (deficit).
今年度の予算は黒字だ。
This year's budget is in surplus.
貿易黒字が増えた。
The trade surplus increased.
Formal term for 'surplus funds' or 'retained earnings'. Used in accounting and corporate contexts.
Similar to 剰余金, but less common. Means 'surplus money'.
余剰金の使い道を検討する。
Consider how to use the surplus money.
To refer to surplus in specialized fields like farming or employment.
Standard term for 'agricultural surplus'.
政府は余剰農産物を買い上げた。
The government purchased the agricultural surplus.
Means 'surplus labor' or 'excess workforce'.
農村部には余剰労働力が存在する。
There is a surplus labor force in rural areas.
余剰 is the most formal and precise for 'surplus' in economic or technical contexts. 余り is casual and refers to leftovers or remainders. 余分 implies something extra that may be unnecessary or wasteful.
余剰在庫を処分する。
Dispose of surplus inventory.
料理の余りを冷凍する。
Freeze the leftover food.
余分な荷物は置いていこう。
Let's leave the extra baggage behind.
余剰 is too formal for everyday situations like leftover food or personal items. Use 余り or 残り instead.
昨日の残りを食べる。
Eat yesterday's leftovers.
剰余金を配当に回す。
Allocate surplus funds to dividends.