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.
There are many old gold mines in this area.
Refers to a gold mine or gold ore deposit. Slightly more technical than 金山.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
This library is a gold mine for historical research.
Specifically for a rich source of data. Often used in tech or academic contexts.
That website is a gold mine of data.
Means 'treasure house of knowledge'. Suitable for a person or book that is very knowledgeable.
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.
This business is a gold mine. (unnatural)