Translation guide
The English verb 'earn' covers receiving money for work, gaining something through effort, and financial returns. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is earned and how.
To get money as payment for a job or labor
The most common and versatile verb for earning money through work. Can be used for salaries, side jobs, or business income.
He earns 300,000 yen a month.
A more formal verb meaning 'to obtain' or 'to gain'. Used for income in formal contexts, but less common in daily conversation than 稼ぐ.
Literally 'to have income'. A natural way to state that someone earns money, often used when describing one's financial situation.
To acquire respect, trust, reputation, or a title as a result of one's actions or character
Used for abstract gains like trust, respect, or reputation. Often appears in the form 〜を得る.
To yield financial returns, such as interest on savings or profit from investments
Literally 'to give birth to', used for generating profit, interest, or returns. Common in financial contexts.
To support oneself financially through work
稼ぐ (kasegu) is the everyday verb for earning money through work. 得る (eru) is more formal and often used for obtaining something in general, including abstract things. For 'earn a salary', 稼ぐ is natural; for 'earn a large sum' in a formal report, 得る may appear.
He earns 500,000 yen a month. (natural conversation)
I earn a little from a side job.
He earned a large income from that job.
She earns a steady income.
彼は同僚の信頼を得た。
He earned the trust of his colleagues.
He earned fame through hard work.
Implies earning something through struggle or competition, like a position or right. Stronger nuance than 得る.
He earned that position through hard work.
Means 'to deserve' or 'to be worthy of'. Used when someone has earned something through merit. Often in the form 〜に値する.
He has earned that award.
その投資は高い利回りを生んだ。
The investment earned a high yield.
Savings earn interest.
Also used for financial gains, but 生む is more specific to generating returns.
We earned a profit from the transaction.
He earns a living as a translator.
Literally 'to keep eating', a casual way to say 'to make a living'. Implies earning enough to get by.
I can earn a living just from this job.
Similar to 生計を立てる but slightly more literary or old-fashioned.
He earns a living by writing.
He earned enormous profits from that business. (formal/written)
稼ぐ is only for earning money or income. For earning trust, respect, etc., use 得る or other verbs. Saying 信頼を稼ぐ is unnatural; use 信頼を得る.
to earn trust