Translation guide
The English term 'public good' can refer to an economic concept (non-excludable, non-rivalrous) or more generally to something that benefits the public. This guide covers both meanings and how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a good that is non-excludable and non-rivalrous in consumption, such as clean air or national defense.
The standard economic term for 'public good'. Used in academic and policy contexts.
Referring to anything that serves the common good or public interest, not necessarily in the strict economic sense.
公共財 (こうきょうざい) is the strict economic term for a public good (non-excludable, non-rivalrous). 公益 (こうえき) is broader and refers to the public interest or common good. Use 公共財 when discussing economics; use 公益 for general public benefit.
Directly translating 'public good' as 公共の良いもの (こうきょうのよいもの) is unnatural and not used. Stick to the established terms above.
国防は公共財の一例です。
National defense is an example of a public good.
A slightly more descriptive phrase, literally 'goods of the public'. Less common as a fixed term but understandable.
きれいな空気は公共の財と言える。
Clean air can be called a public good.
Means 'public interest' or 'common good'. Often used in legal, policy, and organizational contexts.
このプロジェクトは公益にかなうものです。
This project serves the public good.
Literally 'public benefit'. A more explicit phrase, suitable for formal writing.
公共の利益を最優先に考えるべきだ。
We should prioritize the public good.
Means 'public welfare'. Often used in constitutional or social policy contexts.
公共の福祉のために、規制が必要な場合もある。
For the public good, regulations may be necessary.
Casual, everyday expression meaning 'for everyone's sake' or 'for the common good'. Not a direct translation but conveys the idea naturally.
これはみんなのためのルールだよ。
This rule is for the public good.