Translation guide
The English word "riches" refers to material wealth, abundance, or valuable resources. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this concept depends on context: whether you mean wealth in general, a fortune, treasure, or metaphorical richness. Direct translations exist but are often less common than more specific terms.
To refer to riches in the sense of being wealthy or having a lot of money and assets.
The most direct and common word for 'riches' or 'wealth'. It can be used in both concrete and abstract senses.
He amassed riches.
富の分配は不公平だ。
The distribution of wealth is unfair.
Refers to property, assets, or fortune. Often used in legal or formal contexts, or when talking about inherited wealth.
彼は莫大な財産を持っている。
He possesses enormous riches.
A formal or literary term for wealth or affluence. Often used in compound words like 富裕層 (wealthy class).
富裕層はさらに富を蓄積する。
The wealthy accumulate even more riches.
To refer to riches as tangible treasures, such as gold, jewels, or precious items.
Means 'treasure' or 'prized possession'. It emphasizes the value and preciousness of items, often with emotional attachment.
海賊は宝物を探していた。
The pirates were searching for riches.
A more formal or literary term for 'treasure' or 'riches', often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
To express 'riches' in a non-material sense, such as richness of experience, nature, or culture.
Means 'richness' or 'abundance' in a broad sense. It can refer to material wealth but is very commonly used for non-material richness like nature, heart, or life.
この地域は自然の豊かさで知られている。
This region is known for its natural riches.
心の豊かさが大切だ。
Riches of the heart are important.
Means 'blessing' or 'bounty', often used for natural riches or gifts. Has a slightly poetic or grateful nuance.
To refer to a fortune or a very large amount of money, often in the context of spending or earning.
Literally 'big money', this is the most common way to say 'a fortune' or 'a large sum of money'.
彼はその車に大金を払った。
He paid a fortune (riches) for that car.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'immense riches' or 'vast wealth'. It is somewhat literary and emphatic.
彼は巨万の富を築いた。
He built up immense riches.
English 'riches' is plural but Japanese nouns do not have plural forms. Do not try to add plural markers. Use the base word like 富 or 財産.
富 (tomi) primarily refers to material wealth or assets, while 豊かさ (yutakasa) is broader and often used for non-material richness (e.g., of nature, heart, culture). Use 富 for money and possessions; use 豊かさ for abundance in a wider sense.
古代の財宝が発見された。
Ancient riches were discovered.
We are grateful for the riches of the sea.