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.
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.
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.
株 (kabu) is for financial stocks, while 在庫 (zaiko) is for inventory. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
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.
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.
The stock price went up.
A more formal term for stocks or shares, often used in business and legal contexts.
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.
I received stock options.
That item is out of stock.
Please check the stock.
A loanword commonly used for stock or supply, especially in casual or business contexts. Often used for household supplies.
We ran out of toilet paper stock.
Refers to a store or reserve of something, often used for food, money, or resources. More about hoarding or saving up.
We increased our food stocks for the winter.
Literally 'leg shackles', this can refer to stocks as a restraint device, though it more broadly means fetters or shackles.
Criminals in the past were put in the stocks.