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.
日本は天然資源が乏しい。
Japan is poor in natural resources.
水資源の管理が重要だ。
Management of water resources is important.
Specifically 'natural resources', emphasizing that they come from nature. Often used in environmental or economic contexts.
天然資源の枯渇が懸念されている。
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.
事業を始めるための資金が足りない。
We lack the funds to start the business.
資金調達の方法を検討する。
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.
優秀な人材を確保することが重要だ。
It is important to secure excellent human resources.
人材育成に力を入れている。
We are focusing on human resource development.
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.
プロジェクトに必要なリソースを割り当てる。
Allocate the necessary resources to the project.
限られたリソースを有効に使う。
Use limited resources effectively.
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.
彼女は困難を乗り越える力を持っている。
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.
レポートを書くために資料を集める。
Gather resources for writing the report.
この図書館には豊富な資料がある。
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.
Direct translation of 'human resources', often used in management or economics. More formal than 人材.
人的資源の有効活用が求められる。
Effective utilization of human resources is required.
We are short of hands for this job.
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.
参考資料としてこの本を使った。
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.