Translation guide
The English word "funds" refers to money available for a specific purpose. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 資金 (shikin), but depending on context, other words like 基金 (kikin) for a dedicated fund, 費用 (hiyō) for expenses, or お金 (okane) for general money may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
You want to talk about money set aside or needed for something, like a project, business, or personal goal.
The most direct and common translation for 'funds' in the sense of capital or financial resources for a purpose. Used in business, personal finance, and formal contexts.
事業を始めるための資金が必要です。
I need funds to start a business.
資金が不足しています。
We are short of funds.
General word for money. Use when 'funds' simply means money in a casual or everyday context. Less formal than 資金.
旅行のお金を貯めています。
I'm saving funds for a trip.
Refers to costs or expenses. Use when 'funds' means the money needed to cover something, like tuition or living expenses.
留学の費用を工面しなければならない。
I have to raise funds for studying abroad.
Means 'capital' in an economic or business sense. Used for funds as investment or assets.
会社は新たな資本を調達した。
The company raised new funds.
You're referring to an organized pool of money set aside for a specific cause, like a scholarship fund or relief fund.
A fund in the sense of a foundation or endowment. Used for charitable, scholarship, or investment funds.
彼は奨学基金を設立した。
He established a scholarship fund.
災害救援基金に寄付した。
I donated to the disaster relief fund.
A reserve fund or savings accumulated over time for a specific future use, like a sinking fund.
You want to say that someone has or doesn't have money to spend, often in a casual or business context.
Literally 'money on hand'. Natural way to say 'funds available' in personal situations.
今、手持ちのお金があまりない。
I don't have much funds right now.
Surplus funds or spare money. Used when talking about extra money beyond necessities.
余裕資金を投資に回す。
I put surplus funds into investments.
You're talking about funds from taxes or public budgets.
Public funds. Used in news and formal contexts.
そのプロジェクトは公的資金で運営されている。
The project is operated with public funds.
National funds or state expenses. Often used in contexts like studying abroad on government funds.
資金 (shikin) is the most versatile for 'funds' as money for a purpose. 基金 (kikin) is specifically an organized fund like a foundation. お金 (okane) is casual and general. Use 資金 for business or formal needs, 基金 for charitable/investment funds, and お金 in everyday talk.
In English, 'funds' can sound formal. In Japanese, using 資金 in casual conversation might sound stiff. If you're just talking about money you have, お金 is often more natural.
We set aside funds for repairs every month.
He studied abroad on government funds.