Translation guide
A windfall is unexpected money or gain. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 臨時収入 (temporary/extra income). For a sudden stroke of luck, 棚からぼた餅 (a sweet treat falling from a shelf) is a classic idiom. Other expressions cover unearned luck, found money, or a lucky break.
I got a windfall.
Money you receive unexpectedly, like a bonus, tax refund, or small inheritance.
Literally 'temporary income'. The most direct and common translation for a windfall. Used for any unexpected extra money.
I had some extra income this month, so let's splurge a little.
Means 'unexpected income'. A more descriptive phrase, natural in conversation.
Miscellaneous income. Often used in accounting or tax contexts, not very common in daily speech.
An unexpected lucky event that brings gain, like finding money or winning a small prize.
Money you find or receive from an unknown source, like a forgotten bank account.
Receiving money or property from a relative or friend unexpectedly.
Unexpected inheritance. Natural phrase for a windfall from a will.
A fortunate turn of events that brings advantage, like a job offer or a chance encounter.
臨時収入 is a neutral, factual term for extra income. 棚からぼた餅 is an idiomatic expression that emphasizes the luck and unexpectedness, often with a nuance of 'without effort'. Use 臨時収入 in formal contexts; 棚からぼた餅 is more colorful and casual.
English 'windfall' originally meant fruit blown down by wind. Japanese has no direct equivalent. Avoid literal translations like 風で落ちた果物. Use the expressions above depending on context.
The tax refund was a nice windfall.
I received some unexpected income, so I decided to save it.
On your tax return, you need to report it as miscellaneous income.
Idiom: 'a botamochi (sweet rice cake) falling from a shelf'. Means unexpected luck or a windfall without effort. Very common and vivid.
Winning the lottery is like a windfall from heaven.
Idiom: 'grabbing millet with wet hands' (grains stick easily). Means easy profit or gain without effort. Slightly old-fashioned but still understood.
That investment deal sounds like easy money.
Abbreviation of 棚からぼた餅. Casual, slangy. Used among friends.
I got an unexpected bonus. What a windfall!
Literally 'something picked up'. Can mean a found item or a lucky find, including money.
I found 10,000 yen on the street. I've never had a find like this.
Forgotten assets. Used in financial contexts for dormant accounts or unclaimed property.
I found some forgotten assets, which turned into a windfall.
An unexpected inheritance came in from a distant relative.
Unexpected gift. Can refer to a large monetary gift.
I received an unexpected gift from my grandfather.
Good luck, fortune. Broad term for a lucky break. Can be used for non-monetary windfalls.
Getting a sudden offer from that company was a real windfall.
To be lucky (literally 'luck is attached'). Casual way to say you're having a lucky streak.
I'm really lucky this week. Good things happen every day.
彼は叔父が亡くなって、思わぬ遺産が転がり込んだ。
He came into a windfall when his uncle died.