Translation guide
The English word 'resource' covers a wide range of meanings, from natural resources and financial assets to personal qualities and information sources. Japanese uses different words depending on the type of resource. This guide helps you choose the right expression for each context.
Referring to materials or substances found in nature that are valuable to humans.
The standard word for natural resources, including energy, minerals, water, and forests. Used in economic, environmental, and political contexts.
Japan is poor in natural resources.
Management of water resources is important.
Referring to money or assets available for a purpose.
Funds, capital, or financial resources. Used for business, projects, or personal finance.
We are raising funds for the new project.
The plan was canceled due to lack of funds.
Financial resources, revenue sources. Often used in government or organizational budgeting.
Referring to people as a resource, especially in business or organizational contexts.
Referring to books, websites, data, or other sources of information.
Referring to inner qualities or capacities a person can draw on.
Strength, power, ability. Often used in phrases like 'inner resources' or 'mental resources'.
He believed in his inner resources.
What one has at hand (skills, qualities). A more descriptive way to say 'resources' in a personal context.
Referring to the quality of being resourceful.
Referring to hardware or software capabilities in IT.
The English word 'resource' is very broad. Directly translating it as 資源 (しげん) in all contexts will sound unnatural. For example, 'human resources' is usually 人材 (じんざい), not 人的資源 (じんてきしげん) in everyday business Japanese. Always consider the specific type of resource you mean.
資源 (しげん) is for natural or material resources. 資金 (しきん) is for money/funds. 人材 (じんざい) is for talented people. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
政府は新たな財源を確保する必要がある。
The government needs to secure new financial resources.
We focus on human resource development.
Human resources (literal translation). More formal and academic than 人材. Often used in economics or management theory.
Effective utilization of human resources is required.
This book is a good resource.
I gathered resources at the library.
Let's make the most of the resources we have now.
Adaptability, playing it by ear. Acting resourcefully according to circumstances.
The ability to respond resourcefully is required.
Use system resources efficiently.