Translation guide
In Japanese, 'foreign investment' is most commonly expressed as 外国投資 (がいこくとうし) or 対内投資 (たいないとうし), depending on whether the perspective is general or from the host country. The term 外資 (がいし) is also used in compounds like 外資系企業 (foreign-affiliated company).
foreign investment (general)
foreign capital
Investment from abroad into a country, in a broad economic sense.
The most direct and widely understood term for 'foreign investment'. Used in news, economics, and general contexts.
Foreign investment is increasing.
Literally 'inward investment', used when emphasizing investment coming into the country from abroad. Common in economic reports.
Referring to foreign capital or companies with foreign investment, often in business contexts.
Means 'foreign capital' and is used in compounds like 外資系 (foreign-affiliated) or 外資規制 (foreign investment regulations). Very common in business Japanese.
I work for a foreign-affiliated company.
Literally 'foreign capital', a more formal term often used in legal or economic documents.
Specifically 'foreign direct investment' (FDI), a subset of foreign investment involving controlling stakes.
外国投資 is the most general term for foreign investment. 対内投資 specifically means investment coming into the country (inward), while 海外投資 can mean either outward or inward investment depending on context. For clarity, use 対内投資 when emphasizing investment into Japan.
inward foreign investment into Japan
outward foreign investment from Japan
外資 is very productive in business Japanese. Common compounds include 外資系企業 (foreign-affiliated company), 外資規制 (foreign investment regulations), and 外資導入 (introduction of foreign capital).
Inward foreign investment into Japan hit a record high.
Technically means 'overseas investment', which can refer to investment from abroad or investment going abroad. Context clarifies direction. Less precise for 'foreign investment' into Japan.
Can be ambiguous; use 対内投資 for clarity when referring to investment coming into the country.
Deregulation of foreign investment is being discussed.
Foreign investment regulations were tightened.
Foreign capital is entering the market one after another.
General term for 'foreign direct investment', can be inward or outward depending on context.
Promote the acceptance of foreign direct investment.