Translation guide
Describes someone with a lot of money or wealth. Japanese has several words for 'rich person,' ranging from neutral to slang, and the best choice depends on context and nuance.
A person who has a lot of money, in a neutral or descriptive sense.
The most common and neutral way to say 'rich person.' Literally 'money holder.' Safe for most situations.
彼はお金持ちだ。
He is a rich person.
お金持ちになりたい。
I want to become rich.
Same as お金持ち but without the honorific お. Slightly more casual or blunt.
あの人は金持ちだ。
That person is rich.
Refers to the wealthy class or high-net-worth individuals. Often used in economic or news contexts.
富裕層向けのサービス
services for the wealthy
Describing someone as wealthy or well-off, often with a nuance of social status.
An adjective meaning 'wealthy' or 'affluent.' Often used to describe a person or family.
彼は裕福な家庭に生まれた。
He was born into a wealthy family.
Loanword from English 'rich.' Casual and often implies a stylish or luxurious lifestyle.
リッチな生活を送っている。
They live a rich lifestyle.
Informal or slang terms for a rich person, often with a nuance of showing off or being flashy.
Refers to a 'nouveau riche' or someone who suddenly became rich, often with a negative connotation of being flashy or lacking class.
成金趣味の家
a house with nouveau riche taste
A somewhat dated term for a wealthy person, often implying they flaunt their money.
Specifically referring to someone with a net worth in the millions or billions.
お金持ち is a noun meaning 'rich person,' while 裕福 is an adjective meaning 'wealthy.' Use お金持ち to say 'He is a rich person' and 裕福な to say 'He is wealthy.'
The English phrase 'rich person' directly translated as リッチな人 is understandable but sounds unnatural. Stick to お金持ち or 裕福な人.
彼は金満家として知られている。
He is known as a moneybags.
大富豪の娘
daughter of a tycoon