Translation guide
The English word "stocks" can refer to financial shares, inventory, or even a type of punishment. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for learners: financial stocks and inventory/supplies.
Referring to shares of ownership in a company, or the stock market in general.
I bought some stocks. · The stock market crashed. · She invests in tech stocks.
The most common and general word for a stock or share. Can be used in compounds.
彼はその会社の株をたくさん持っている。
He owns a lot of stock in that company.
株価が上がった。
The stock price went up.
A more formal term for stocks or shares, often used in business and legal contexts.
株式投資はリスクが伴う。
Stock investment involves risk.
A loanword from English, sometimes used in financial contexts but less common than 株. Can also mean 'stock' as in inventory.
ストックオプションをもらった。
I received stock options.
Referring to a supply of goods or materials kept on hand, often in a store or warehouse.
We need to replenish our stocks. · The store keeps a large stock of canned goods. · Is this item in stock?
The standard term for inventory or stock of goods. Used in business and retail.
その商品は在庫切れです。
That item is out of stock.
在庫を確認してください。
Please check the stock.
A loanword commonly used for stock or supply, especially in casual or business contexts. Often used for household supplies.
Refers to a store or reserve of something, often used for food, money, or resources. More about hoarding or saving up.
Referring to a wooden frame with holes for the feet (or hands and head) used for public punishment.
The thief was placed in the stocks. · Medieval stocks were used for public humiliation.
Literally 'leg shackles', this can refer to stocks as a restraint device, though it more broadly means fetters or shackles.
昔の罪人は足枷にはめられた。
Criminals in the past were put in the stocks.
株 (kabu) is for financial stocks, while 在庫 (zaiko) is for inventory. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
株を買う vs 在庫を確認する
buy stocks vs check inventory
ストック is a versatile loanword that can mean both financial stocks and inventory, but it's less precise. In finance, 株 is preferred; for inventory, 在庫 is clearer in formal settings.
トイレットペーパーのストックがなくなった。
We ran out of toilet paper stock.
冬に備えて食料の蓄えを増やした。
We increased our food stocks for the winter.