Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'one's means' — referring to financial resources, ability, or method — in natural Japanese.
Talking about one's financial resources, income, or budget.
The most direct and common word for 'income' or 'means' in a financial sense. Used for both personal and household income.
Referring to the method, way, or means by which something is done.
The standard word for 'means' as a method or way to achieve something. Neutral and widely used.
Referring to one's ability, capacity, or resources to do something (not strictly financial).
手段 (shudan) emphasizes the concrete means or instrument, while 方法 (hōhō) emphasizes the method or procedure. 手段 is closer to 'means' in the sense of a tool or avenue; 方法 is closer to 'way' or 'method'.
連絡手段を教えてください。
Please tell me your means of contact.
料理の方法を教えてください。
Please teach me the method of cooking.
Avoid directly translating 'means' as 意味 (imi, 'meaning'). That is a false friend. Use context-appropriate words like 収入, 手段, or 能力.
彼は収入が少ない。
He has a small income.
収入に見合った生活をする。
Live within one's means.
Refers to 'financial power' or 'economic strength'. Often used when discussing one's ability to afford something, especially in contexts like marriage or large purchases.
結婚相手に経済力を求める。
Seek financial stability in a marriage partner.
Literally 'living expenses'. Used when talking about the money needed to cover daily life, often in the phrase 'within one's means'.
生活費の範囲内でやりくりする。
Manage within one's means.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'suited to one's stature/means'. Used to advise living within one's financial limits.
身の丈に合った生活を心がけよう。
Let's try to live within our means.
目的のためには手段を選ばない。
The end justifies the means.
交通手段は何ですか。
What is your means of transportation?
Means 'method' or 'way'. Slightly broader than 手段, often used for systematic approaches.
何か良い方法はありますか。
Is there any good way (to do it)?
A grammatical pattern meaning 'by means of' or 'through'. Attach to a noun indicating the means.
インターネットによって情報を得る。
Obtain information by means of the internet.
The simple particle で indicates the means or instrument. More common in casual speech than によって.
電車で行きます。
I'll go by train.
Means 'ability' or 'capability'. Used when 'means' refers to personal capacity.
彼にはそれを成し遂げる能力がある。
He has the means to accomplish it.
Means 'leeway', 'room', or 'resources' (time, money, mental space). Often used in negative form to say one doesn't have the means.
旅行に行く余裕がない。
I don't have the means to travel.