Translation guide
This English phrase describes the ability to make money or gain advantage from any situation, resource, or skill. In Japanese, there is no single fixed equivalent; instead, various expressions convey the idea of resourcefulness, opportunism, or commercializing something.
Expressing the idea that someone can turn any situation, object, or skill into a source of income.
A straightforward, colloquial phrase meaning 'to turn anything into money'. It implies a knack for monetizing things.
彼は本当に何でも金にする才能がある。
He really has a talent for turning anything into money.
Literally 'to make a business out of anything'. Emphasizes the entrepreneurial aspect.
彼女は趣味を何でも商売にしてしまう。
She turns any hobby into a business.
Means 'to use as a source of profit'. Slightly more formal or literary.
彼はどんな情報も金儲けの種にする。
He turns any piece of information into a source of profit.
Describing a person who seizes any chance to benefit financially or otherwise.
Means 'to make use of anything'. Can be neutral or negative depending on context.
彼は自分の経験をどんなことでも利用して利益を得る。
He uses any experience to gain profit.
A more positive term meaning 'to effectively utilize everything'. Often used in business contexts.
彼女はあらゆるものを活用して会社を成長させた。
She utilized everything to grow the company.
A noun meaning 'business acumen' or 'a knack for making money'. Describes the innate ability rather than the action.
Turning adversity or limited resources into an advantage.
A common saying meaning 'turn a crisis into an opportunity'. Captures the proactive, positive spin.
彼はいつもピンチをチャンスに変える。
He always turns a crisis into an opportunity.
A proverb meaning 'turn misfortune into fortune'. More literary and traditional.
彼の人生は災い転じて福となすことの連続だった。
His life was a series of turning misfortunes into fortunes.
Directly translating 'turn anything to profit' as 「何でも利益に変える」 is grammatically possible but sounds stiff and unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases provided instead.
Phrases like 「何でも金にする」 can sound either admiring (resourceful) or critical (money-grubbing) depending on context. 「活用する」 is more neutral/positive, while 「利用する」 can imply exploitation.
彼の考え方なら、何でも金にできる。
With his mindset, he can turn anything to profit.
彼女は趣味を商売に変えた。
She turned her hobby into a profitable business.
彼の商才には驚かされる。
I'm amazed by his ability to turn anything to profit.