Translation guide
The English word 'welfare' covers several distinct concepts: personal well-being, public financial assistance, and organizational benefit. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Government-provided financial support for those in need.
The standard term for social welfare, encompassing public services and support systems.
福祉政策が重要です。
Welfare policy is important.
彼は福祉に頼って生活している。
He lives on welfare.
Specifically refers to public livelihood assistance, the Japanese welfare program for low-income individuals.
生活保護を受けるのは恥ずかしいことではない。
Receiving welfare is nothing to be ashamed of.
Social security in a broad sense, including pensions, health insurance, and welfare.
社会保障制度の改革が必要だ。
Reform of the social security system is necessary.
The state of being healthy, happy, and comfortable.
General happiness and well-being, often used in philosophical or personal contexts.
子供の幸福が一番大切です。
The welfare of the children is most important.
Well-being or welfare, often used in the context of employee benefits or institutional welfare.
Safety and well-being, used when inquiring about someone's condition after an incident.
The good fortune, health, or prosperity of a group or organization.
Used in compounds like 福利厚生 (welfare benefits) for employee well-being.
福利厚生が充実している会社は人気がある。
Companies with good welfare benefits are popular.
Public interest or common good, often used in legal or administrative contexts.
福祉 is the broad concept of social welfare, while 生活保護 specifically refers to the public assistance program for low-income individuals. Use 生活保護 when talking about receiving welfare payments.
福祉の仕事をしています。
I work in welfare.
生活保護の申請をした。
I applied for welfare.
The English phrase 'on welfare' should not be translated literally. Use 生活保護を受けている or 福祉に頼っている depending on context.
政府は貧しい人々に福祉を提供すべきだ。
The government should provide welfare for the poor.
彼女は年老いた両親の幸福を心配している。
She is concerned about the welfare of her elderly parents.
The company focuses on employee welfare.
After the earthquake, I checked on the welfare of my family.
この政策は公益にかなっている。
This policy serves the public welfare.