Translation guide
The means by which one earns a living or supports oneself. In Japanese, this is often expressed through words like 生計, 生活, or 暮らし, but the best choice depends on whether you're talking about financial support, daily life, or a way of life.
To refer to the job, income, or economic activity that supports a person or family.
The most direct equivalent for 'livelihood' in the sense of earning a living. Often used in formal or written contexts.
He works hard to earn a livelihood.
I lost my means of livelihood.
Refers to daily life or living, but can imply livelihood when combined with words like 費 (expenses) or 手段 (means). More general than 生計.
Refers to one's way of life or daily living, often with a nuance of lifestyle rather than just financial support. More colloquial than 生計.
I lead a relaxed livelihood in the countryside.
A job that supports my livelihood.
A somewhat literary term for one's occupation or trade as a means of living. Often implies a traditional or lifelong calling.
Farming is my livelihood.
To emphasize the financial aspect or the thing that provides a living.
Literally 'source of income'. Used when livelihood is equated with the specific source of money.
Tourism is the main livelihood of this town.
Literally 'food' or 'sustenance', but metaphorically means livelihood or that which sustains one's life. Often used in phrases like 生活の糧.
A colloquial expression meaning 'to make a living' or 'to get by'. Literally 'to go on eating'.
I can't make a livelihood on this salary.
To refer to the overall manner of living, not just financial aspects.
As above, but here the focus is on lifestyle. Often used in compound words like 一人暮らし (living alone).
I'm tired of city livelihood.
Can also mean lifestyle, especially in compounds like 日常生活 (daily life).
Literally 'way of living', focusing on one's philosophy or approach to life. More abstract than 暮らし.
生計 (seikei) is specifically about earning a living and is often used in economic contexts. 生活 (seikatsu) is broader, covering daily life activities and expenses. 暮らし (kurashi) has a warmer, more personal nuance, often implying a lifestyle or way of living. Use 生計 when talking about financial support, 生活 for general living, and 暮らし for a more emotional or lifestyle-focused meaning.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'livelihood'. Translating it directly as 生計 in every case can sound unnatural. Consider the context: if you mean 'job', use 仕事; if you mean 'income', use 収入; if you mean 'daily life', use 生活 or 暮らし.
The drought threatened the farmers' livelihood.
Here 生活 is more natural than 生計 because it encompasses their whole way of life.
Music is his livelihood.
健康的な生活を送る。
I lead a healthy livelihood.
彼の生き方に共感する。
I sympathize with his livelihood.