Translation guide
The English word "deficit" refers to a shortage or lack, most commonly in financial contexts (budget deficit, trade deficit) but also in general contexts (attention deficit, deficit of trust). In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is lacking.
A situation where expenses exceed income, or there is a negative balance, especially for governments, companies, or budgets.
Literally 'red figures', this is the standard term for a financial deficit or being in the red. Used for budgets, businesses, and trade balances.
The national budget deficit is expanding.
A more formal or technical term for a loss or deficit, often used in accounting or legal contexts. Can also mean a physical defect or missing part.
General word for shortage or insufficiency. Can be used for budget shortfalls, but is broader than 赤字.
A situation where a country's imports exceed its exports.
A deficiency or insufficient amount of something abstract or concrete, such as attention, trust, or resources.
The most common and versatile word for a shortage or lack. Can be used for tangible things (water, money) and abstract things (sleep, information).
Referring to attention deficit disorder or a general lack of focus.
赤字 is specifically for financial deficits (in the red). 不足 is a general shortage of anything. 欠如 is a formal lack of abstract qualities. Use 赤字 for budgets and trade, 不足 for everyday shortages, and 欠如 for formal writing about missing qualities.
If the deficit continues, the company will go bankrupt.
The government is trying to reduce the deficit.
This company has been running a deficit for years.
当期純欠損は100万円でした。
The net deficit for the current period was 1 million yen.
The budget is in deficit / insufficient.
The standard term for trade deficit.
Japan's trade deficit reached a record high.
More explicitly 'deficit in the trade balance'.
The trade balance deficit continues.
I can't concentrate due to a sleep deficit.
The labor shortage is serious.
A formal term for a lack or absence, often used for abstract qualities like trust, morality, or skills.
The deficit of trust is the problem.
A strong word for scarcity or dearth, often used for essential resources like food, water, or vitamins. More intense than 不足.
vitamin deficiency (medical term)
Used in the medical term for ADHD: 注意欠陥・多動性障害 (ADHD).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A more general, non-medical term for lack of attention or carelessness.
Mistakes are occurring frequently due to attention deficit / lack of attention.
水不足が心配だ。
I'm worried about the water shortage.
A deficit of responsibility is the cause.
赤字 literally means 'red figures' and is only used for financial losses. Using it for a shortage of sleep or trust would be unnatural. Use 不足 or 欠如 instead.
両国間には信頼の欠如がある。
There is a deficit of trust between the two countries.