Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'bad debt' is expressed through several terms that distinguish between uncollectible loans, non-performing loans, and write-offs. The most common and versatile term is 不良債権 (furyō saiken), used in business and economic contexts. For everyday or personal bad debts, 貸し倒れ (kashidaore) or 焦げ付き (kogetsuki) may be used. The choice depends on formality and the nature of the debt.
To refer to a debt that is unlikely to be repaid, especially in a corporate or financial context.
The standard term for non-performing loans or bad debts in banking and finance. It refers to loans where repayment is doubtful.
Banks are struggling to deal with bad debts.
When bad debts increase, the financial system becomes unstable.
Literally 'loan collapse', this refers to a debt that has become uncollectible, often used in accounting for write-offs. More common in business contexts than personal ones.
The company recorded a large amount of bad debt write-offs.
Literally 'scorched' or 'charred', this colloquial term describes a debt that has gone bad and is unlikely to be recovered. Often used in everyday language.
The money I lent to a friend became a bad debt.
A synonym for 不良債権, specifically referring to bad loans. Used in financial reporting.
The ratio of bad loans is rising.
To talk about a personal loan that won't be repaid, in casual conversation.
The most natural way to describe a personal bad debt in casual speech. It implies the money is as good as gone.
The 50,000 yen I lent him is a bad debt.
A simple, direct phrase meaning 'money that won't come back'. It's not a fixed term but clearly conveys the idea.
To refer to the accounting treatment of bad debts, such as write-offs or provisions.
不良債権 is the formal, standard term for non-performing loans in banking. 貸し倒れ is often used in accounting contexts for write-offs. 焦げ付き is a colloquial metaphor implying the debt is 'burned' and unrecoverable, suitable for personal or informal situations.
Do not translate 'bad debt' literally as 悪い借金 (warui shakkin). This sounds unnatural and is not used in Japanese.
I consider that money already a bad debt.
We need to increase the allowance for bad debts.