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.
The current financial situation is tough.
Refers specifically to household finances. Common in personal finance contexts.
Our household finances are tight.
Formal term for 'financial condition', often used for companies or governments.
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'.
Lately, I've been struggling financially.
Casual, slangy way to say 'I'm broke'. Literally 'money shortage'.
This month I'm broke and in a pinch.
Means 'life is hard' financially. Implies difficulty making ends meet.
My salary went down and I'm struggling to get by.
To describe a comfortable or wealthy financial situation.
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.
How's the economy treating you lately?
Literally 'How's life?' Can imply financial well-being in context.
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.