Translation guide
The English word 'resources' covers a wide range of meanings, from natural resources and financial assets to personal strengths and reference materials. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific type of resource.
Refers to materials or substances occurring in nature that can be used for economic gain or human needs.
The most common and general term for natural resources. Can be used for minerals, energy, water, forests, etc.
Japan is poor in natural resources.
Management of water resources is important.
Specifically 'natural resources', emphasizing that they come from nature. Often used in environmental or economic contexts.
The depletion of natural resources is a concern.
Money or assets available for a particular purpose, such as business, investment, or personal use.
General term for funds or capital. Used for money needed for projects, business, or personal finance.
We lack the funds to start the business.
We will consider methods of raising funds.
Refers to financial resources or revenue sources, often used in government or organizational budgeting.
Means financial ability or resources, often used in legal or formal contexts to describe one's capacity to pay.
People available for work or a particular task; the workforce.
Refers to talented people or human resources, often in a business context. Emphasizes skill and capability.
It is important to secure excellent human resources.
Refers to manpower or labor, often in the sense of having enough people to do a job. More casual than 人材.
Things that can be used to achieve a goal, such as equipment, information, or time.
Loanword from English, widely used in business and IT contexts. Covers a broad range of resources including time, money, and materials.
Allocate the necessary resources to the project.
While primarily for natural resources, it can be extended metaphorically to other types of resources in formal contexts.
Specifically refers to materials and supplies, often in construction or manufacturing.
Inner qualities or abilities that help a person deal with difficulties or achieve goals.
Literally 'power' or 'strength', often used to refer to personal resources like mental strength, skills, or support networks.
She has the resources to overcome difficulties.
Can be used metaphorically for personal resources, especially in psychological or self-help contexts.
Sources of information that can be consulted for learning or research.
General term for reference materials, documents, or data. Used for books, articles, online resources, etc.
Gather resources for writing the report.
This library has abundant resources.
Often used in educational or IT contexts for online resources, databases, or learning materials.
資源 (しげん) is the native Japanese word and is strongly associated with natural resources, though it can be used metaphorically. リソース is a loanword that feels more modern and is common in business, IT, and project management. For general 'resources' in a corporate setting, リソース is often the safest choice.
English 'resources' is very broad, but 資源 is not a universal equivalent. For financial resources, use 資金; for human resources, use 人材; for reference materials, use 資料. Using 資源 in these contexts can sound unnatural or overly metaphorical.
社会保障の財源を確保する必要がある。
It is necessary to secure financial resources for social security.
He has sufficient financial resources.
We are focusing on human resource development.
Direct translation of 'human resources', often used in management or economics. More formal than 人材.
Effective utilization of human resources is required.
We are short of hands for this job.
Use limited resources effectively.
Information is an important management resource.
The prices of construction materials are soaring.
Become aware of your own inner resources.
Specifically 'reference materials', emphasizing their use for consultation or guidance.
I used this book as a reference resource.
オンラインで利用できるリソースがたくさんある。
There are many resources available online.