Learning how to express the idea of “making money” in Japanese can be useful in various situations, whether you’re discussing job opportunities, personal finance, or entrepreneurial endeavors. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “make money” in Japanese, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Make Money”
1. お金を稼ぐ (okane o kasegu)
The most common and formal way to say “make money” in Japanese is お金を稼ぐ (okane o kasegu). This phrase is versatile and widely used in both professional and everyday conversations.
Example:
会社でお金を稼ぐために、一生懸命働いています。
(Kaisha de okane o kasegu tame ni, isshōkenmei hataraite imasu.)
Translation: “I work hard to make money at my company.”
2. 収入を得る (shūnyū o eru)
収入を得る (shūnyū o eru) is another formal way to express the concept of making money. This phrase specifically focuses on “earning income.”
Example:
彼は副業で収入を得ています。
(Kare wa fukugyō de shūnyū o ete imasu.)
Translation: “He earns income through a side job.”
Informal Ways to Say “Make Money”
1. お金儲けする (okane mōke suru)
For a more casual and conversational tone, you can use the phrase お金儲けする (okane mōke suru), which is equivalent to saying “to make money” in Japanese.
Example:
最近、ネットでお金儲けする方法を探しています。
(Saikin, netto de okane mōke suru hōhō o sagashite imasu.)
Translation: “Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to make money online.”
2. 金を稼ぐ (kane o kasegu)
金を稼ぐ (kane o kasegu) is a more straightforward and informal way to express the idea of making money. It can be used among friends or in casual conversations.
Example:
土日にアルバイトして、少しでも金を稼ぎたいんだ。
(Donichi ni arubaito shite, sukoshi demo kane o kasegitai nda.)
Translation: “I want to earn some money by working part-time on weekends.”
Tips for Talking about Making Money in Japanese
When discussing money-making activities in Japanese, it’s crucial to keep cultural norms and politeness in mind. Here are some tips to help you navigate these conversations:
1. Use Polite Language
In formal contexts or when speaking with individuals of higher status, it’s essential to use polite language. This includes using respectful verb forms and honorifics when referring to others.
Example:
お金を稼ぐ方法をお聞きしたいのですが。
(Okane o kasegu hōhō o okikishitai no desu ga.)
Translation: “I would like to ask about ways to make money.”
2. Consider Context
Understanding the context in which you are discussing making money is crucial, as different situations require varying levels of formality. Adjust your language accordingly, whether you’re talking with colleagues, friends, or strangers.
Example:
それはもっとリスクのある方法で、友達との会話で言える内容ではありません。
(Sore wa motto risuku no aru hōhō de, tomodachi to no kaiwa de ieru naiyō de wa arimasen.)
Translation: “That’s a riskier method and not something you can discuss casually with friends.”
3. Be Mindful of Cultural Differences
Japanese culture places great importance on humility and avoiding direct discussions regarding money. Be sensitive to these cultural differences and avoid appearing overly focused on wealth or financial gains.
Example:
日本では、お金や稼ぎについて直接話すことはあまり一般的ではありません。
(Nihon de wa, okane ya kasegi ni tsuite chokusetsu hanasu koto wa amari ippan-teki de wa arimasen.)
Translation: “In Japan, it’s not very common to talk directly about money or earnings.”
Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations in how to say “make money” in Japanese, certain local dialects or expressions may be unique. It’s important to note that regional variations should be used appropriately and sparingly.
In general, it’s advisable to stick to the standard Japanese phrases mentioned earlier, as they are universally understood throughout Japan and among Japanese speakers.
Conclusion
Learning how to express the idea of “making money” in Japanese provides a valuable skill for communicating in various contexts. Whether you need to discuss job opportunities, personal finance, or entrepreneurial ventures, understanding the formal and informal ways to say “make money” allows you to engage effectively in conversations with Japanese speakers. Remember to use appropriate politeness levels, consider cultural nuances, and adjust your language based on the context.
Now that you have learned different ways to say “make money” in Japanese, you can confidently engage in discussions related to this topic. Best of luck with your language learning journey!
