資金を確保する
shikin o kakuho suru
secure funds
Literally: 資金 (funds) + を (object marker) + 確保する (to secure/ensure)
In 15 Seconds
- Guaranteeing that necessary money is available for a specific goal.
- Commonly used in business, big life events, and serious planning.
- Implies the money is 'locked in' and ready for use.
Meaning
It means making sure you have the money you need set aside for a specific goal. It's like saying, 'I've got the cash locked down and ready to go.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
新しいプロジェクトのために、十分な資金を確保しました。
We have secured sufficient funds for the new project.
Planning a world trip
世界一周旅行に行くための資金を確保するのは大変だった。
It was hard to secure the funds to go on a trip around the world.
Texting a friend about a concert
ライブのチケット代、なんとか資金確保できたよ！
I managed to secure the funds for the concert tickets!
Cultural Background
In Japanese business, 'kakuho' is often the result of 'nemawashi' (behind-the-scenes consensus building). You don't just ask for money; you secure it through relationships. In the US startup scene, 'securing funding' is often a public and celebrated milestone (e.g., announcing a Series A round). In Japan, it can be more discreet. German financial culture, like Japanese, prizes 'Sicherheit' (certainty). Securing funds means having a very concrete, legally binding plan. The concept of 'Guanxi' (connections) is vital for securing funds in China, similar to Japan's 'nemawashi' but often involving more personal networking.
Use for Big Goals
Always use this for significant amounts. It makes you sound like a serious planner.
Not for 'Spending'
Securing is not spending. It's the step *before* spending.
In 15 Seconds
- Guaranteeing that necessary money is available for a specific goal.
- Commonly used in business, big life events, and serious planning.
- Implies the money is 'locked in' and ready for use.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the 'green light' for any big plan. It is more than just having money in your bank account. It means you have specifically earmarked or guaranteed those funds for a purpose. When you use 資金を確保する, you are saying the financial hurdle is cleared. You are ready to move from planning to action. It carries a sense of reliability and completion.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about projects, big purchases, or life events. It sounds a bit more professional than just saying 貯金する (to save money). You usually pair it with the purpose of the money. For example, 旅行の資金を確保する means you’ve secured the travel funds. It’s a great way to sound organized and serious about your goals. Just don't use it for your morning coffee money!
When To Use It
This is a star player in business meetings and formal planning. Use it when discussing a new startup or a department budget. It also fits perfectly in serious personal conversations. Are you planning a wedding or buying a house? Then you are definitely 資金を確保する-ing. It shows you have your life together. It’s the verbal equivalent of a firm handshake.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for small, everyday expenses. If you tell a friend you 'secured funds' for a taco, they might think you’re a robot. It’s too heavy for pocket change or casual treats. Also, don't use it if the money is still a 'maybe.' This phrase implies the money is definitely there. If you are still asking for a loan, you aren't there yet.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the concept of dandori (preparation and process) is huge. You don't just start a project; you prepare every detail first. 資金を確保する is a vital part of this cultural mindset. Being financially prepared is seen as a sign of respect for the project and the people involved. It reflects the Japanese value of stability and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Common Variations
You will often hear 予算を確保する (yosan o kakuho suru), which means 'secure the budget.' In the startup world, people say 資金を調達する (shikin o choutatsu suru) for 'raising funds' from investors. If you are talking about government or large-scale money, you might hear 財源を確保する (zaigen o kakuho suru). They all share that 'locking it in' feeling.
Usage Notes
This phrase is mostly used in formal or professional settings. It sounds a bit stiff for casual daily life unless used for humorous effect. Ensure the object is something substantial, like a project or a major purchase.
Use for Big Goals
Always use this for significant amounts. It makes you sound like a serious planner.
Not for 'Spending'
Securing is not spending. It's the step *before* spending.
Potential Form
Use '{確保|かくほ}できる' (can secure) in negotiations to show you are working on the budget.
Business Context
In a Japanese office, saying '{予算|よさん}を{確保|かくほ}しました' is the ultimate green light for a project.
Examples
6新しいプロジェクトのために、十分な資金を確保しました。
We have secured sufficient funds for the new project.
This sounds very professional and reassuring to stakeholders.
世界一周旅行に行くための資金を確保するのは大変だった。
It was hard to secure the funds to go on a trip around the world.
Used here for a major personal goal that requires significant money.
ライブのチケット代、なんとか資金確保できたよ！
I managed to secure the funds for the concert tickets!
Using 'formal' language for a hobby adds a funny, dramatic touch.
リフォームの資金を確保してから、業者に連絡しましょう。
Let's contact the contractor after we secure the funds for the renovation.
Shows a responsible, step-by-step approach to planning.
子供の大学進学のために、早めに資金を確保しておきたい。
I want to secure funds early for my child's university education.
Reflects long-term planning and parental care.
開発資金を確保するために、投資家と面談してくるよ。
I'm going to meet with investors to secure development funds.
Standard usage in the context of business development.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {確保|かくほ}する.
{来月|らいげつ}の{旅行|りょこう}のために、ようやく{資金|しきん}を（ ）ことができた。
The phrase 'koto ga dekita' (was able to) requires the dictionary form of the verb before it.
Which situation is the most natural for using '{資金|しきん}を{確保|かくほ}する'?
Choose the best context:
'Kakuho' is for significant, goal-oriented amounts of money.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {新|あたら}しいプロジェクト、いつ{始|はじ}めるんですか？ B: （ ）しだい、すぐに{始|はじ}めます。
'Shidai' (as soon as) follows the stem of the potential form 'dekira' -> 'deki' in this context to mean 'as soon as we can secure'.
Match the phrase to the register.
Match 'プロジェクトの{資金|しきん}を{確保|かくほ}いたしました' to its register.
The use of 'itashimashita' is the humble (kenjougo) form of 'shimashita'.
Fill in the particle.
{政府|せいふ}は{新|あたら}しい{道路|どうろ}を{作|つく}るための{資金|しきん}（ ）{確保|かくほ}した。
'Shikin' is the direct object of the verb 'kakuho suru'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercises{来月|らいげつ}の{旅行|りょこう}のために、ようやく{資金|しきん}を（ ）ことができた。
The phrase 'koto ga dekita' (was able to) requires the dictionary form of the verb before it.
Choose the best context:
'Kakuho' is for significant, goal-oriented amounts of money.
A: {新|あたら}しいプロジェクト、いつ{始|はじ}めるんですか？ B: （ ）しだい、すぐに{始|はじ}めます。
'Shidai' (as soon as) follows the stem of the potential form 'dekira' -> 'deki' in this context to mean 'as soon as we can secure'.
Match 'プロジェクトの{資金|しきん}を{確保|かくほ}いたしました' to its register.
The use of 'itashimashita' is the humble (kenjougo) form of 'shimashita'.
{政府|せいふ}は{新|あたら}しい{道路|どうろ}を{作|つく}るための{資金|しきん}（ ）{確保|かくほ}した。
'Shikin' is the direct object of the verb 'kakuho suru'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's a bit formal, but if you're talking about something serious like a house or a wedding, it's perfectly natural.
Yes! '{人材|じんざい}を{確保|かくほ}する' means to secure talented people for a project.
'{資金|しきん}' is 'funds/capital' (formal/purposeful), while '{お金|おかね}' is just 'money' (general).
In very casual slang, yes, but it sounds immature in a professional setting.
Yes, in news: '{予算|よさん}が{確保|かくほ}された' (The budget was secured).
Related Phrases
{予算|よさん}を{組|く}む
similarTo draw up a budget
{資金|しきん}を{調達|ちょうたつ}する
specialized formTo procure/raise funds
{貯金|ちょきん}する
similarTo save money
{財源|ざいげん}を{見付|みつ}ける
builds onTo find a source of revenue
{資金|しきん}を{投|とう}じる
contrastTo invest/spend funds
