Translation guide
The English word "investment" covers both financial investment and the broader idea of putting resources into something for future benefit. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context: financial investment, business investment, personal investment of time/effort, and metaphorical investment.
Putting money into stocks, bonds, funds, real estate, etc., expecting profit.
The standard term for financial investment. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (投資する).
株式投資を始めました。
I started investing in stocks.
投資のリスクを理解する必要があります。
You need to understand the risks of investment.
Refers specifically to providing capital for a business or project, often as an investor or partner. More formal than 投資.
彼は新会社に出資した。
He invested in the new company.
Spending money on equipment, facilities, R&D, etc., to grow a business.
Also used for business investment. Often combined with words like 設備 (equipment) or 研究開発 (R&D).
会社は新しい工場に投資した。
The company invested in a new factory.
Specifically means capital investment in equipment or facilities.
Devoting time, energy, or resources to something for future returns, not necessarily financial.
Can be used metaphorically for non-financial investment, such as time or effort. Often used with 時間 (time) or 努力 (effort).
語学学習に時間を投資するのは価値がある。
Investing time in language learning is worthwhile.
自己投資は将来のためになる。
Self-investment pays off in the future.
Being deeply involved or committed emotionally to a person, project, or outcome.
Means to have a strong emotional attachment or personal investment in something.
このプロジェクトには特に思い入れがある。
I have a special personal investment in this project.
To be deeply into something, to be absorbed or invested emotionally. Slightly casual.
彼はその趣味に入れ込んでいる。
He is really invested in that hobby.
投資 (とうし) is the general term for investment, including stocks, real estate, and metaphorical use. 出資 (しゅっし) is specifically providing capital to a business or venture, often implying a stake or partnership. Use 投資 for most situations; use 出資 when emphasizing the act of putting money into a company as an investor.
While 投資 can be used metaphorically for time and effort, it may sound overly formal or business-like in casual conversation. For personal emotional investment, use phrases like 思い入れがある or 入れ込む instead of directly translating 'investment'.
教育への投資は重要です。
Investment in education is important.
彼は株式市場に多額の投資をした。
He made a large investment in the stock market.
今年の設備投資は増加した。
Capital investment increased this year.
Literally 'put strength into', meaning to focus efforts or resources on something. More casual than 投資.
教育に力を入れている。
We are investing in education.