Translation guide
Describes something that yields financial gain or benefit. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 儲かる (mōkaru), an intransitive verb meaning 'to be profitable' or 'to make a profit'. For transitive use, 儲ける (mōkeru) means 'to earn a profit'. Other expressions like 利益が出る (rieki ga deru) and 採算が取れる (saisan ga toreru) are also used in business contexts.
Describing a business, investment, or activity that makes money.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be profitable' or 'to make a profit'. Used for businesses, deals, or activities that generate profit. Very common in everyday and business Japanese.
Describing something that brings benefits or advantages, not necessarily money.
Na-adjective meaning 'beneficial' or 'profitable' in a broad sense. Used for knowledge, experience, or relationships that are advantageous.
この経験はとても有益だった。
This experience was very profitable (beneficial).
儲かる (mōkaru) is intransitive: the business is profitable. 儲ける (mōkeru) is transitive: someone makes a profit. Use 儲かる for describing profitability, and 儲ける when focusing on the person earning.
この店は儲かっている。
This shop is profitable.
彼はその店で儲けている。
He is making a profit from that shop.
English often uses 'profitable' as an adjective before nouns (e.g., 'a profitable business'). Japanese prefers verb phrases like 儲かる or 利益が出る. While 有益な can modify nouns, it leans toward 'beneficial' rather than purely financial profit.
このビジネスは儲かりますか？
Is this business profitable?
儲かるニッチを見つける必要がある。
We need to find a profitable niche.
その取引は双方にとって非常に有益だった。
The deal was very profitable for both sides.
Is this business profitable?
今年はあまり儲からなかった。
We didn't make much profit this year.
Literally 'profit comes out'. A straightforward phrase meaning 'to yield a profit'. Slightly more formal than 儲かる.
この事業は利益が出ています。
This business is turning a profit.
Means 'to be profitable' in the sense of covering costs and making a profit. Often used in business feasibility discussions.
このプロジェクトは採算が取れますか？
Is this project profitable?
Transitive verb meaning 'to earn a profit' or 'to make money'. Used when someone actively makes a profit from something.
彼は株で大金を儲けた。
He made a lot of money in stocks.
Formal term meaning 'profitable' or 'having profitability'. Used in financial reports and business analysis.
この部門は収益性が高い。
This division is highly profitable.
Means 'to be advantageous' or 'to be a gain'. Often used in everyday situations where something is beneficial or a good deal.
この情報は得になるよ。
This information will be profitable (useful) for you.