Translation guide
The English word 'profit' can refer to financial gain, benefit, or advantage. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 利益 (rieki) for monetary profit, but other words like 儲け (mōke) or 得 (toku) are used depending on context. This guide covers the main ways to express 'profit' in natural Japanese.
Monetary gain after subtracting costs; the primary meaning in business contexts.
The standard term for profit in business, accounting, and economics. Neutral and widely used.
This year's profit increased compared to last year.
Colloquial term for profit or earnings, often with a nuance of 'money made' from a deal or business. Slightly informal.
Formal term for profit, often used in economic or academic contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
Something gained that is beneficial, not necessarily money.
Means 'gain' or 'benefit' in a broad sense, often used in everyday situations. Can be monetary or non-monetary.
The act of gaining profit or benefit from a situation.
Standard phrase meaning 'to gain profit'. Can be used for both monetary and non-monetary contexts.
The percentage or ratio of profit relative to revenue or cost.
利益 (rieki) is the formal, standard term for profit in business. 儲け (mōke) is more colloquial and often implies cash earnings or a successful deal. 得 (toku) is the broadest, meaning any kind of gain or benefit, and is used in everyday expressions like 得をする (to profit/benefit).
The company's profits rose by 20%.
The company made a large profit.
あの商売は儲けが少ない。
That business has little profit.
He made a considerable profit from stocks.
The goal is maximization of corporate profit.
早起きは得だ。
It pays to get up early. (lit. Getting up early is a profit/benefit.)
This deal is profitable for both sides.
Can also mean 'benefit' in a general sense, especially in formal contexts.
That policy will benefit the people.
Loanword from English 'merit', often used for advantages or benefits, especially in comparisons.
What are the benefits (profits) of this plan?
I profited from the investment.
Verb meaning 'to make a profit' or 'to earn money'. Colloquial and common in business.
He profited greatly from the business.
Means 'to gain' or 'to benefit', often used in everyday situations. Implies coming out ahead.
You'll profit if you buy early.
Standard term for profit margin or profit ratio.
The profit margin on this product is high.
Gross profit, often used in accounting.
Please calculate the gross profit.
The company's profit increased, but the employees' earnings haven't changed.
This information will be profitable/beneficial.
English uses 'profit' in many figurative phrases (e.g., 'profit from experience'). In Japanese, direct translation with 利益 may sound unnatural. Use 得 or rephrase with verbs like 学ぶ (manabu, to learn) or 活かす (ikasu, to make use of).
I profited much from that experience. (natural Japanese: I learned a lot from that experience.)
There's no profit in arguing.
He tried to profit from the situation.