Translation guide
How to talk about one's financial situation in Japanese, from casual to formal contexts.
To describe one's overall financial condition, whether good or bad.
Neutral, formal term for 'economic/financial situation'. Used in news, reports, and serious conversation.
現在の経済状況は厳しい。
The current financial situation is tough.
Refers specifically to household finances. Common in personal finance contexts.
家計の状況が苦しい。
Our household finances are tight.
Formal term for 'financial condition', often used for companies or governments.
会社の財政状態は健全だ。
The company's financial situation is sound.
To say you are struggling financially or have money problems.
Common, natural way to say 'I'm having money troubles'. Literally 'troubled by money'.
最近、お金に困っている。
Lately, I've been struggling financially.
Casual, slangy way to say 'I'm broke'. Literally 'money shortage'.
今月は金欠でピンチだ。
This month I'm broke and in a pinch.
Means 'life is hard' financially. Implies difficulty making ends meet.
給料が下がって生活が苦しい。
My salary went down and I'm struggling to get by.
To describe a comfortable or wealthy financial situation.
Means 'to have financial leeway/room'. Common way to say you're comfortable.
今はお金に余裕がある。
Right now I'm financially comfortable.
Adjective meaning 'wealthy, affluent'. More direct than the above.
彼の家は裕福だ。
His family is wealthy.
To inquire about another person's financial situation, usually indirectly.
Directly asking about money is often rude. Instead, use vague expressions or talk about the economy.
最近、景気はどうですか？
How's the economy treating you lately?
Literally 'How's life?' Can imply financial well-being in context.
新しい仕事で生活はどうですか？
How's life with the new job?
Japanese culture tends to avoid direct talk about personal finances. Even 'financial situation' can sound too blunt. Use context-appropriate euphemisms.
経済状況 is broad (national/global economy or personal), while 家計の状況 is specifically household budgeting.