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.
I need funds to start a business.
General word for money. Use when 'funds' simply means money in a casual or everyday context. Less formal than 資金.
Refers to costs or expenses. Use when 'funds' means the money needed to cover something, like tuition or living expenses.
Means 'capital' in an economic or business sense. Used for funds as investment or assets.
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.
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.
You're talking about funds from taxes or public budgets.
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 are short of funds.
I'm saving funds for a trip.
I have to raise funds for studying abroad.
The company raised new funds.
He established a scholarship fund.
I donated to the disaster relief fund.
A reserve fund or savings accumulated over time for a specific future use, like a sinking fund.
We set aside funds for repairs every month.
I don't have much funds right now.
Surplus funds or spare money. Used when talking about extra money beyond necessities.
I put surplus funds into investments.
Public funds. Used in news and formal contexts.
The project is operated with public funds.
National funds or state expenses. Often used in contexts like studying abroad on government funds.
He studied abroad on government funds.