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.
I have to meet this month's quota.
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.
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.
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.
The government increased the refugee quota.
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.
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.
The quota is tough (implying it's hard to meet).
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.
We have a quota to fill.
Natural in a business context
The country has an annual immigration quota.
Formal, policy context
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.
Each team has a quota of work assigned.
輸入割り当て制度が廃止された。
The import quota system was abolished.
この奨学金には国別の枠がある。
This scholarship has a quota by country.
The hiring quota is limited.
入場者数に制限が設けられた。
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.
I met the minimum quota.