also: げんぽん
noun
Refers to the original amount of money invested or loaned, as opposed to interest or profit.
投資の元本を回収するのに5年かかった。
It took five years to recover the principal of the investment.
元本保
I'm looking for a financial product that guarantees the principal.
noun
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.
彼は元本として都心のマンションをいくつか持っている。
He owns several apartments in the city center as income-producing assets.