Translation guide
How to express the idea of generating income or profit in Japanese, from general earning to specific ventures.
To describe the act of earning money in a broad sense, often as a livelihood or side activity.
The most common and direct translation for 'money-making', often with a nuance of actively seeking profit. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
He is good at making money.
Please tell me how to make money.
A more formal and neutral way to say 'earn income'. Suitable for official or business contexts.
I earn income from a side job.
Literally 'to earn money'. A very common and natural phrase, slightly more casual than 収入を得る.
I'm making money with a part-time job.
Referring to a specific activity, project, or business that generates profit.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to be profitable' or 'to make money'. Used to describe a business or activity that yields profit.
This business is profitable.
A 'money-making scheme' or 'profitable deal'. Often implies a tempting but possibly risky opportunity.
He jumped at the money-making opportunity.
A formal, technical term for 'profitability'. Used in business reports or economic analysis.
To express the idea of earning enough money to support oneself or one's family.
Describing ways to make money quickly or with little effort, often with a negative connotation.
金儲け (かねもうけ) often implies a focus on profit-making as an activity, sometimes with a slightly negative or greedy nuance. お金を稼ぐ (おかねをかせぐ) is a more neutral and straightforward way to say 'earn money'. In casual conversation, お金を稼ぐ is very common.
The English compound 'money-making' does not have a single direct adjective equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use verbs like 儲かる (もうかる) or phrases like 金儲けの (かねもうけの) to modify nouns.
I'm looking for a money-making job.
The profitability of this project is high.
あぶく銭はすぐに消えた。
The easy money disappeared quickly.