Translation guide
The total amount of money spent by households on goods and services. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific economic terms, with nuances depending on context (e.g., personal consumption vs. aggregate economic indicator).
個人消費
consumer spending (economic term)
To refer to consumer spending as an economic concept, often in news, reports, or academic contexts.
The standard term for 'consumer spending' or 'personal consumption' in economic contexts. Used in GDP reports, news, and policy discussions.
個人消費はGDPの約6割を占めています。
Consumer spending accounts for about 60% of GDP.
Literally 'consumption expenditure.' Often used in household surveys and statistical reports to refer to actual spending by households.
家計調査によると、消費支出は前年比で増加した。
According to the household survey, consumer spending increased year-on-year.
Refers to 'private consumption' as a component of GDP, contrasting with government consumption. More technical.
民間消費の伸びが経済成長を支えている。
Growth in private consumption is supporting economic growth.
To talk about how much people spend in their daily lives, not necessarily as a formal economic term.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'spending by consumers.' Suitable for general discussions.
最近、消費者の支出が減っている。
Recently, consumer spending has been decreasing.
Literally 'shopping expenditure.' More casual and concrete, focusing on purchases.
消費者の買い物の支出が景気を左右する。
Consumer shopping spending influences the economy.
To emphasize the role of consumer spending in economic growth or recovery.
A common pattern meaning 'consumption supports the economy.' Often used in news commentary.
個人消費が経済を支える重要な要素だ。
Consumer spending is an important factor supporting the economy.
個人消費 is the broader economic concept, while 消費支出 is more statistical and often used in surveys. In everyday conversation, 消費者の支出 or simply 消費 may be more natural.
GDPの個人消費は増えたが、家計の消費支出は横ばいだ。
Consumer spending in GDP increased, but household consumption expenditure remained flat.
Directly translating 'consumer spending' as 消費者支出 is not idiomatic. Use 個人消費 or 消費支出 instead.