Translation guide
Ways to talk about where your money comes from in Japanese, from formal terms to casual expressions.
To refer to a source of income in a neutral or formal context.
The most direct and common translation for 'source of income'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
His main source of income is investments.
It's important to diversify your sources of income.
A more formal term, often used in economic or tax contexts. '所得' specifically means 'income'.
You need to declare your sources of income.
To talk about a job or employment as the way you earn money.
Simply 'income'. Often used in phrases like '収入がある' (have an income) or '収入を得る' (earn income).
I'm looking for a job with a stable income.
To make a living. Emphasizes the activity that supports your life financially.
Literally 'to go on eating', meaning to earn enough to live on. Casual and common.
It's tough to make a living as a freelancer.
To refer to additional income beyond a main job.
To describe income from investments, rent, or other non-labor sources.
Unearned income, passive income. Often used in financial contexts.
I want to be able to live off passive income alone.
Rental income. Specifically income from renting out property.
Rental income is my main source of income.
Dividends. Income from stocks or investments.
To politely inquire how someone earns money.
Polite way to ask 'What is your occupation?'. Indirectly asks about income source.
What do you do for a living?
More direct: 'How do you make a living?'. Slightly formal.
Very casual and direct: 'Where's your income from?'. Use only with close friends.
Can be too direct or rude if used inappropriately.
Where do you get your income?
収入源 is the general term for 'source of income' and is widely used. 所得源 is more technical and often appears in legal or tax documents. For everyday conversation, stick with 収入源.
The phrase 'source of income' is not always translated word-for-word. In casual contexts, Japanese speakers often use simpler expressions like 収入 or 仕事 (job) to convey the same idea.
He makes a living by painting.
I make 50,000 yen a month from my side business.
配当収入で生活しています。
I live off dividend income.
How do you make a living?