Translation guide
The English word 'welfare' covers several distinct concepts: personal well-being, public financial assistance, and organizational benefit. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Government-provided financial support for those in need.
The standard term for social welfare, encompassing public services and support systems.
Welfare policy is important.
He lives on welfare.
Specifically refers to public livelihood assistance, the Japanese welfare program for low-income individuals.
Receiving welfare is nothing to be ashamed of.
Social security in a broad sense, including pensions, health insurance, and welfare.
Reform of the social security system is necessary.
The state of being healthy, happy, and comfortable.
General happiness and well-being, often used in philosophical or personal contexts.
The welfare of the children is most important.
Well-being or welfare, often used in the context of employee benefits or institutional welfare.
Safety and well-being, used when inquiring about someone's condition after an incident.
The good fortune, health, or prosperity of a group or organization.
福祉 is the broad concept of social welfare, while 生活保護 specifically refers to the public assistance program for low-income individuals. Use 生活保護 when talking about receiving welfare payments.
I work in welfare.
I applied for welfare.
The English phrase 'on welfare' should not be translated literally. Use 生活保護を受けている or 福祉に頼っている depending on context.
The government should provide welfare for the poor.
She is concerned about the welfare of her elderly parents.
会社は社員の福利厚生に力を入れている。
The company focuses on employee welfare.
After the earthquake, I checked on the welfare of my family.
この政策は公益にかなっている。
This policy serves the public welfare.