also: げんぽん
Refers to the original amount of money invested or loaned, as opposed to interest or profit.
It took five years to recover the principal of the investment.
I'm looking for a financial product that guarantees the principal.
income-producing assets
A broader financial term for assets that generate income, such as rental properties or dividend-paying stocks. Less common than the principal sense.
He owns several apartments in the city center as income-producing assets.
This investment fund does not guarantee the principal.
I'm repaying the loan's principal little by little every month.
The stock price fell and the value dropped below the original principal.
That asset management company invests the principal safely.