Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Income" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "income", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
収支
しゅうし (shūshi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
実入り
みいり (mi-iri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "income" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 収支 and 実入り.
In Japanese, 収支 (しゅうし (shūshi)) is typically associated with "income and expenditure, balance of payments" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the balance between money coming in.
On the other hand, 実入り (みいり (mi-iri)) maps to "income, earnings, profit" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the actual income or profit from work, business, or investment. Often used in the context of financial gains or losses. A literal translation of "income" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "収支"
今月の家計の収支は赤字だった。
This month's household income and expenditure were in the red (deficit).
Bilingual Context for "実入り"
今月の実入りは思ったより少なかった。
This month's income was less than I expected.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今月の家計の ＿＿＿ は赤字だった。" (Meaning: "This month's household income and expenditure were in the red (deficit).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "収支" fits here because it means "income and expenditure, balance of payments" in the context of: "This month's household income and expenditure were in the red (deficit).". "実入り" represents "income, earnings, profit".