Translation guide
The English term 'gold mine' can refer to a literal mine where gold is extracted, or figuratively to a source of great wealth, profit, or valuable information. This guide covers both meanings and how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Referring to an actual mining site for gold.
The standard term for a gold mine. Used in both general and technical contexts.
この地域には古い金山がたくさんある。
There are many old gold mines in this area.
Refers to a gold mine or gold ore deposit. Slightly more technical than 金山.
新たな金鉱が発見された。
A new gold mine was discovered.
Describing a business, product, or opportunity that generates a lot of money.
Literally 'dollar box', this is a common idiom for a lucrative product or business. Often used in entertainment and business contexts.
このゲームは会社のドル箱だ。
This game is a gold mine for the company.
Literally 'a tree that bears money', this idiom refers to a continuous source of income. Similar to 'cash cow'.
その特許は彼にとって金のなる木だ。
That patent is a gold mine for him.
Literally 'mountain of treasure', used figuratively for a place or thing full of valuable resources or opportunities.
この市場は宝の山だ。
This market is a gold mine.
Referring to a book, database, person, etc., that provides a wealth of useful information.
Means 'treasure house of information'. A natural way to describe a rich source of data or knowledge.
この図書館は歴史研究の情報の宝庫だ。
This library is a gold mine for historical research.
Specifically for a rich source of data. Often used in tech or academic contexts.
そのウェブサイトはデータの宝庫だ。
That website is a gold mine of data.
Means 'treasure house of knowledge'. Suitable for a person or book that is very knowledgeable.
彼は知識の宝庫だ。
He is a gold mine of knowledge.
Directly translating 'gold mine' as 金山 (きんざん) when you mean a lucrative business or information source will sound unnatural. Use the idiomatic expressions provided instead.
この事業は金山だ。
This business is a gold mine. (unnatural)