Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Income" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "income", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
所得
しょとく (shotoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
収支
しゅうし (shūshi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "income" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 所得 and 収支.
In Japanese, 所得 (しょとく (shotoku)) is typically associated with "income" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to earnings, especially in an economic or financial context, often used in relation to taxes or official financial statements. It's often the amount after certain deductions, distinct from gross '収入.
On the other hand, 収支 (しゅうし (shūshi)) maps to "income and expenditure, balance of payments" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the balance between money coming in. A literal translation of "income" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "所得"
昨年は所得税の申告が少し遅れてしまった。
I was a little late filing my income tax last year.
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).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "昨年は ＿＿＿ 税の申告が少し遅れてしまった。" (Meaning: "I was a little late filing my income tax last year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "所得" fits here because it means "income" in the context of: "I was a little late filing my income tax last year.". "収支" represents "income and expenditure, balance of payments".