Translation guide
The English word "compensation" covers several distinct ideas: money or benefits for work, payment for loss or damage, and something that makes up for a disadvantage. Japanese uses different words for each. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Talking about the total package of money and benefits received from an employer.
The most general term for compensation for work, including salary, fees, and bonuses. Used in formal and business contexts.
He received adequate compensation for the work.
Specifically refers to regular salary or wages paid by an employer. Common in HR and job descriptions.
Compensation will be determined based on experience.
Refers to overall treatment, including pay, benefits, and working conditions. Often used in phrases like 待遇が良い (good compensation/benefits).
This company offers good compensation.
More casual term for salary, often used for monthly pay. Less formal than 給与.
My compensation increased.
Money given to make up for harm, loss, or suffering, such as in legal or insurance contexts.
Legal term for compensation for damages or losses. Used in phrases like 損害賠償 (damages).
The victim sought compensation.
Compensation to make up for a loss or deficiency, often used in insurance or government contexts. Slightly broader than 賠償.
Specifically compensation for emotional distress or pain and suffering, often in personal injury cases.
A benefit or positive aspect that makes up for a negative one.
Something that compensates for a loss or inconvenience; making up for something. Can be used in personal contexts.
As compensation for being late, I treated him to lunch.
Something given in return or as a trade-off, often with a nuance of sacrifice or cost.
To offset or cancel out a disadvantage with an advantage. Often used in financial or formal contexts.
The profits compensated for the losses.
賠償 (ばいしょう) is used for legal liability and damages, often involving fault. 補償 (ほしょう) is broader and can refer to making up for any loss, including by insurance or government, without necessarily implying fault.
報酬 (ほうしゅう) is only for work-related compensation. Using it for accident compensation would be unnatural. Use 賠償 or 補償 instead.
The insurance company provided compensation for the damage.
彼女は慰謝料を請求した。
She demanded compensation for emotional distress.
成功の代償として健康を失った。
He lost his health as compensation for success.