Translation guide
In Japanese, 'social security' is a broad concept covering public pensions, health insurance, and welfare. The most common term is 社会保障 (しゃかいほしょう), but specific programs have their own names.
Referring to the overall social security framework, including pensions, health insurance, and public assistance.
The standard term for the social security system as a whole. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
日本の社会保障制度は複雑だ。
Japan's social security system is complicated.
社会保障費が増えている。
Social security costs are increasing.
Talking about public pension programs, similar to U.S. Social Security retirement benefits.
The general term for pension. Often used when discussing retirement benefits. Specify 国民年金 (national pension) or 厚生年金 (employees' pension) for clarity.
老後は年金で生活する。
I'll live on my pension in old age.
年金を毎月受け取っている。
I receive a pension every month.
Referring to the identification number used for social security in the U.S. or the equivalent in Japan.
Direct translation for 'social security number', used when talking about the U.S. system. In Japan, the equivalent is マイナンバー (My Number).
アメリカでは社会保障番号が必要です。
In the U.S., a social security number is required.
Japan's individual identification number system, used for social security, tax, and disaster response. Often called 個人番号 (こじんばんごう) formally.
マイナンバーカードを作りました。
I got a My Number card.
Discussing the payroll tax or contributions that fund social security.
Social security premiums or contributions. Often used in the context of payroll deductions.
給料から社会保障料が引かれている。
Social security contributions are deducted from my salary.
Pension insurance premiums, specifically for the public pension system.
年金保険料を納める。
Pay pension insurance premiums.
Referring to the safety net aspect, such as welfare benefits for low-income individuals.
Public assistance or welfare. This is the specific program for those in financial need, not a direct translation of 'social security' but often what is meant in context.
生活保護を受ける。
Receive welfare/public assistance.
The social security safety net. A more abstract term used in policy discussions.
社会保障のセーフティネットを強化する。
Strengthen the social security safety net.
The U.S. 'Social Security' program is primarily a pension system, while Japanese 社会保障 encompasses a wider range of programs. When referring to retirement benefits, 年金 is more precise.
年金 specifically means pension. 社会保障 is the broader system. If you say 'I'm on social security' meaning retirement benefits, use 年金. If discussing the system as a whole, use 社会保障.
Public pension, as opposed to private pensions. Emphasizes the government-run aspect.
公的年金だけでは生活が苦しい。
It's hard to live on just the public pension.