Translation guide
The English word 'quota' refers to a fixed share, number, or limit that must be met or not exceeded. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on context: whether it's a sales target, a production requirement, an immigration limit, or a share of something. This guide covers the most common and useful ways to express 'quota' in Japanese.
A number or amount that a person or team is expected to achieve, especially in business.
The most common and natural word for a sales quota or work target. It often implies a minimum requirement that must be met, sometimes with a sense of pressure.
今月のノルマを達成しなければならない。
I have to meet this month's quota.
営業部には厳しいノルマが課せられている。
The sales department has a strict quota imposed on them.
Means 'target' or 'goal'. It is broader than 'quota' and can be used in many contexts, but it lacks the nuance of a fixed minimum requirement. Often used when the quota is aspirational rather than mandatory.
今期の売上目標は前年比10%増です。
This term's sales target is a 10% increase over last year.
Means 'allocation' or 'assignment'. It can be used for a quota of work or resources assigned to someone, but it is less common for sales targets than ノルマ.
各チームに作業の割り当てがある。
Each team has a quota of work assigned.
A maximum number or amount allowed, such as in immigration, imports, or production.
Used for quotas that are allocated or distributed, like import quotas or refugee quotas. It emphasizes the idea of a fixed share.
政府は難民の受け入れ割り当てを増やした。
The government increased the refugee quota.
輸入割り当て制度が廃止された。
The import quota system was abolished.
Literally 'frame', but often used to mean a quota or limit in terms of numbers or slots. Common in phrases like 定員枠 (capacity quota) or 予算枠 (budget quota).
Means 'restriction' or 'limit'. It is a general term and can be used when 'quota' implies a cap, but it does not convey the idea of a fixed share.
A minimum number or proportion that must be met, such as a diversity quota or a mandatory contribution.
Again, ノルマ is the go-to word for a mandatory minimum, especially in work or production contexts. It can also be used for quotas in non-sales settings if there is a sense of obligation.
女性管理職のノルマを設定する企業が増えている。
More companies are setting quotas for female managers.
Means 'obligation' or 'duty'. It can be used when the quota is a mandatory requirement, but it is less specific than ノルマ.
ノルマ implies a mandatory minimum that must be met, often with pressure. 目標 is a goal or target, which can be aspirational and not necessarily enforced. Use ノルマ for strict quotas and 目標 for voluntary targets.
ノルマがきつい。
The quota is tough (implying it's hard to meet).
目標は高く設定しよう。
Let's set a high target (aspirational).
The English word 'quota' is sometimes directly borrowed as クオータ, but this is not common in everyday Japanese. It may appear in technical or international contexts, but ノルマ or 割り当て are much more natural.
This scholarship has a quota by country.
採用枠が限られている。
The hiring quota is limited.
A quota was set on the number of visitors.
A quota for renewable energy use is imposed.
Means 'minimum' or 'the least'. It can be used to describe a quota as a minimum requirement, but it is not a direct translation.
最低限のノルマは達成した。
I met the minimum quota.