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A1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

年金

nenkin Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 年金 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 年金 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 年金 (nenkin) means 'pension.' It is a very important word in Japan because it refers to the money people get when they stop working because they are old. You can think of it as 'monthly money for grandpas and grandmas.' In Japan, most people start getting this money when they are 65 years old. You might see this word at the bank or in the news. A simple way to use it is: 'Nenkin o morau' (to get a pension) or 'Nenkin o harau' (to pay for the pension). It is a noun, so you use it like 'hon' (book) or 'kuruma' (car). Even if you are a beginner, knowing this word helps you understand why people talk about age and work in Japan. It is made of two parts: 'nen' (year) and 'kin' (money). So, it's 'yearly money.'

At the A2 level, you can understand that 年金 (nenkin) is part of the social security system in Japan. You should know that there are different types, like 'Kokumin Nenkin' (National Pension). When you work in Japan, 'nenkin' is often taken out of your salary automatically. This is called 'tenbiki.' You might say, 'Kyuuryou kara nenkin ga hikaremasu' (The pension is deducted from my salary). You should also know the word 'Nenkin Techou,' which is the blue or orange book that records your pension information. At this level, you can talk about your future or your parents' retirement using this word. It's important to remember that 'nenkin' is something you pay now so you can receive it later. People in Japan often worry if the 'nenkin' will be enough for their life in the future.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the mechanics of the 年金 (nenkin) system more clearly. You can use terms like 'jukyuu suru' (to receive benefits) instead of just 'morau.' You should understand the concept of 'Kousei Nenkin' (Welfare Pension for employees) versus 'Kokumin Nenkin' (Basic Pension). You might encounter situations where you need to explain your pension status at the ward office (kuyakusho). For example, if you change jobs, you have to switch your pension category. This is called 'nenkin no kirikae.' You should also be aware of the 'Nenkin Teikibin,' the annual notice that tells you how much you have paid. At this level, you can participate in basic conversations about the 'aging society' (shoushi koureika) and how it affects the pension system's sustainability.

At the B2 level, you can understand complex news articles and discussions regarding 年金 (nenkin) reforms. You should be familiar with terms like 'zaigen' (financial resources), 'unyou' (investment/management of funds), and 'makuuro keizai kuraido' (macroeconomic slide - a system to adjust pension amounts). You can discuss the '20 million yen problem' (nenkin 2000-man en mondai) and the role of the GPIF (Government Pension Investment Fund). You should also understand the nuances of 'shougai nenkin' (disability pension) and 'izoku nenkin' (survivors' pension). At this level, you can argue for or against different pension policies and understand how the system balances the needs of different generations. You are also expected to know the administrative procedures for 'nenkin menjo' (pension premium exemption) for those with low income.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the 年金 (nenkin) system's legal and economic foundations. You can read white papers from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and understand the actuarial valuations (zaisei kenshou) performed every five years. You are familiar with the 'three-tier system' of Japanese pensions: the National Pension, the Employees' Pension, and private/corporate plans like iDeCo or DB/DC plans. You can discuss the impact of inflation on pension purchasing power and the complexities of international social security agreements (shakai hoshou kyoutei) that allow workers to totalize their contribution periods across different countries. Your vocabulary includes professional terms like 'hokenryou ritsu' (contribution rate) and 'shotoku daitai ritsu' (income replacement rate).

At the C2 level, you can engage in high-level academic or professional discourse about 年金 (nenkin). You can analyze the long-term fiscal sustainability of the Japanese social security framework in the context of global demographic trends. You understand the historical evolution of the system from the 1961 Universal Pension Law to the modern-day integration of mutual aid associations. You can critique the 'generational accounting' (sedai-betsu kaikei) and the ethical implications of the pay-as-you-go system in a shrinking economy. You are capable of interpreting complex legal disputes regarding pension rights and the administrative intricacies of the Japan Pension Service. Your command of the language allows you to navigate the most technical aspects of pension fund management and social insurance law with the same ease as a native expert.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

年金 in 30 Seconds

Nenkin is the Japanese term for 'pension,' referring to regular payments received after retirement or due to disability.
The Japanese pension system is mandatory for all residents aged 20 to 60, including foreign nationals living in the country.
It is funded by current workers' contributions to support the elderly, forming a generational social contract in Japanese society.
Understanding Nenkin is essential for financial planning and navigating administrative requirements while living and working in Japan.

The Japanese word 年金 (ねんきん - nenkin) is a fundamental term in Japanese society, referring to the pension system or the actual pension payments received by individuals. At its core, the word consists of two kanji characters: 年 (year) and 金 (money). Literally, it translates to 'yearly money,' reflecting its historical nature as an annual stipend, though in modern Japan, it is typically distributed every two months. Understanding this word is crucial because Japan has a mandatory universal pension system where every resident between the ages of 20 and 60 is required to contribute. It is not just a financial term; it is a central topic in political debates, family planning, and social welfare discussions. People use this word when talking about their future retirement plans, discussing the deductions from their monthly paychecks, or when elderly family members receive their benefits from the government. The concept of the 'pension' in Japan is deeply tied to the social contract between generations, where the working population supports the retired population through a pay-as-you-go system. This makes the word carry a weight of social responsibility and sometimes anxiety, given the demographic challenges of an aging society.

Grammatical Category: Noun (Meishi). It functions as a standard noun and can be the subject, object, or part of a compound word.

祖父は毎月年金を受け取っています。 (My grandfather receives a pension every month.)

Core Concept: Social security payments for the elderly, disabled, or bereaved families provided by the state or private funds.

When you enter the workforce in Japan, you will encounter various types of pensions. The 国民年金 (Kokumin Nenkin) is the basic national pension for all residents, while the 厚生年金 (Kousei Nenkin) is the welfare pension for employees in the private sector. The word is ubiquitous in administrative settings, banks, and household budgeting. Because Japan's population is aging rapidly, the sustainability of the 年金 system is a frequent headline in news outlets. Younger generations often express concern about whether they will receive their 年金 when they reach retirement age, making the word a symbol of generational equity and economic stability. It is also used in the context of disability pensions (障害年金 - shougai nenkin) and survivors' pensions (遺族年金 - izoku nenkin), showing that the term covers more than just old-age support.

将来のために年金をしっかり払っておく必要があります。(It is necessary to pay your pension contributions properly for the sake of your future.)

彼は年金だけで生活するのは難しいと考えています。(He thinks it is difficult to live on just a pension.)

Social Context: Reflects the 'Silver Democracy' in Japan where the elderly have significant political influence due to their reliance on pension stability.

政府は年金制度の改革を検討しています。(The government is considering reforms to the pension system.)

６５歳から年金の受給が始まります。(Pension benefits start from the age of 65.)

Using 年金 (nenkin) correctly involves understanding the verbs it typically pairs with. The most common actions associated with a pension are 'paying' premiums and 'receiving' benefits. To pay pension premiums, you use the verb 払う (harau) or the more formal 納める (osameru). For receiving the pension, the verb もらう (morau) is used in casual speech, while 受給する (jukyuu suru) or 受け取る (uketoru) is used in formal or administrative contexts. It is also important to distinguish between the money being paid into the system (年金保険料 - nenkin hokenryou) and the money being paid out to the retiree (年金 - nenkin). When discussing the amount of money, you can use 年金額 (nenkingaku). If someone is living solely on their pension, the phrase 年金生活 (nenkin seikatsu) is often used to describe their lifestyle.

Common Verb Pairings: 年金を払う (Pay pension), 年金を受け取る (Receive pension), 年金に加入する (Join a pension plan).

毎月、給料から年金が天引きされます。(Pension contributions are deducted from my salary every month.)

In formal settings, such as a bank or a government office, you will hear terms like 受給権 (jukyuuken - the right to receive) or 免除 (menjo - exemption). If a student or someone with a low income cannot afford the premiums, they might apply for a 年金免除 (nenkin menjo). When discussing the start of payments, the term 繰り下げ (kurisage - deferral) or 繰り上げ (kuriage - early start) is used. For example, if you choose to receive your pension later than the standard age to increase the monthly amount, you are performing a 繰り下げ受給. These nuances are vital for navigating adult life in Japan. Understanding the difference between public pensions (公的年金 - kouteki nenkin) and private pensions (個人年金 - kojin nenkin) is also useful when discussing financial planning with a consultant or insurance agent.

Sentence Structure Tip: Typically follows the [Subject] + [Object] + [Verb] pattern: 私は + 年金を + 払います。

彼は退職後、年金生活を楽しんでいます。(After retiring, he is enjoying his life on a pension.)

学生の間は、年金の支払いを猶予してもらうことができます。(While you are a student, you can have your pension payments deferred.)

Formal Usage: 年金を裁定する (To adjudicate/determine pension amounts) is a legalistic term used by the Pension Service.

物価の上昇に合わせて、年金額が調整されました。(The pension amount was adjusted in line with rising prices.)

企業年金制度を導入している会社は多いです。(Many companies have introduced corporate pension systems.)

You will encounter the word 年金 (nenkin) in a variety of real-life settings in Japan. One of the most common places is the 市役所 (shiyakusho - city hall) or 区役所 (kuyakusho - ward office). There is usually a dedicated window for 'National Pension' (国民年金) where residents go to register, pay, or ask questions about their status. If you are an employee, your HR department will mention 年金 during your onboarding process, explaining how the 厚生年金 (Kousei Nenkin) will be deducted from your salary. On television, especially during news programs or talk shows focused on 'Life Design' or 'Retirement Planning,' experts frequently debate the future of the 年金 system. You will see headlines like 'Nenkin 2000-man en mondai' (The 20 million yen pension problem), which refers to a famous government report suggesting that the average couple would need an additional 20 million yen in savings on top of their pension to live comfortably in old age.

Common Settings: Government offices, HR departments, banks, news broadcasts, family dinners with elderly relatives.

ニュースで年金問題が取り上げられていました。(The pension issue was featured on the news.)

In the mail, you will receive a blue or orange 年金手帳 (nenkin techou - pension handbook) or a ねんきん定期便 (nenkin teikibin - regular pension notice). The latter is a postcard or letter sent annually around your birthday that summarizes your contribution history and estimated future benefits. Hearing people talk about their 'Nenkin Teikibin' is common in offices. Additionally, in casual conversations among the elderly, you might hear them mention 'Nenkin-bi' (pension day), which is the 15th of every even-numbered month (February, April, June, August, October, and December). On these days, banks and post offices are often crowded with seniors withdrawing their funds. This specific rhythm of life for millions of Japanese citizens revolves around the word 年金. Even in popular culture, such as dramas or movies depicting the lives of ordinary people, the financial security provided by 年金 is a recurring theme that reflects the reality of living in the world's most aged society.

Visual Cues: The blue 'Pension Handbook' (年金手帳) and the 'Nenkin Teikibin' postcards sent by the Japan Pension Service.

今日は年金支給日なので、銀行が混んでいます。(Today is pension payment day, so the bank is crowded.)

役所の年金窓口で相談しました。(I consulted at the pension window at the government office.)

Key Documents: 年金証書 (Nenkin Shousho - Pension Certificate), 年金請求書 (Nenkin Seikyusho - Pension Claim Form).

誕生日に年金定期便が届きました。(I received my regular pension notice on my birthday.)

会社を辞めたので、国民年金への切り替えが必要です。(Since I left the company, I need to switch to the national pension.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 年金 (nenkin) is confusing it with other types of income or savings. For example, 年金 is not the same as a 退職金 (taishokukin - retirement bonus/severance pay). While both are related to leaving a job, a 退職金 is a one-time lump sum paid by an employer, whereas 年金 is a recurring payment from the government or a fund. Another common error is using the wrong verb for paying premiums. Many students use 買う (kau - buy) because they think of it as purchasing insurance, but in Japanese, you always use 払う (harau - pay) or 納める (osameru - contribute/pay). Using 'kau' would sound very strange and imply you are buying the system itself. Additionally, the word 年収 (nenshuu - annual income) is sometimes confused with 年金 because they both start with the character for 'year' (年). Remember that 年収 is what you earn while working, and 年金 is what you receive after retiring.

Confusing Terminology: 年金 (Pension) vs. 退職金 (Retirement lump sum) vs. 年収 (Annual income).

❌ 年金を買いに行きます。(I'm going to buy a pension.)
✅ 年金を払いに行きます。(I'm going to pay my pension premiums.)

Grammatically, learners often forget that 年金 is a noun and cannot be used as a verb by itself. You cannot say 'nenkin-suru.' You must use a verb like 受給する or 運用する (unyou suru - to manage/invest). Another nuance involves the 'pension handbook.' Learners might call it a 'nenkin book' or 'nenkin hon,' but the correct term is always 年金手帳 (nenkin techou). Furthermore, there is a cultural misunderstanding regarding the 'National Pension.' Some foreigners believe they don't have to pay it if they plan to leave Japan. However, the law requires all residents to pay. If you leave, you can apply for a 脱退一時金 (dattai ichijikin - lump-sum withdrawal payment), but the initial payments are still called 年金. Confusing the monthly premium (保険料) with the benefit (給付) is also common. When you pay, you are paying the nenkin hokenryou; when you receive, you are receiving the nenkin.

Mistake in Verb Usage: Do not use 'suru' (to do) with Nenkin. Use specific verbs like 'jukyuu suru' (to receive) or 'osameru' (to pay).

❌ 私は年金しています。(I am pension-ing.)
✅ 私は年金を受給しています。(I am receiving a pension.)

❌ 年金は一回だけもらえます。(You only get pension once.)
✅ 年金は定期的に受け取れます。(You receive pension regularly.)

Common Confusion: Confusing 'Nenkin' (Pension) with 'Hoken' (Insurance). While pension is a type of social insurance, 'Hoken' usually refers to health insurance (kenkou hoken).

❌ 年金を返してください。(Please return my pension - used when leaving Japan.)
✅ 脱退一時金を請求します。(I will claim the lump-sum withdrawal payment.)

❌ 年金が安いです。(The pension is cheap.)
✅ 年金額が低いです。(The pension amount is low.)

While 年金 (nenkin) is the general term for a pension, there are several related words that describe specific types of retirement income or social support. The most common alternative is 恩給 (onkyuu), which is an older term for a pension, specifically one given to former military personnel or civil servants. In modern daily life, you won't hear 'onkyuu' as much as 'nenkin.' Another related term is 退職金 (taishokukin), which refers to the lump-sum retirement payment from a company. While 'nenkin' is ongoing, 'taishokukin' is a one-off. There is also 企業年金 (kigyou nenkin), which is a pension provided by a specific company, and 個人年金 (kojin nenkin), which is a private pension plan you might buy from an insurance company like Nippon Life or AFLAC. Understanding these distinctions helps in navigating financial discussions in Japan.

Nenkin vs. Taishokukin: Nenkin is a recurring payment (annuity). Taishokukin is a single lump-sum payment (severance) upon retirement.

公的年金のほかに、個人年金にも入っています。(In addition to the public pension, I am also enrolled in a private pension.)

In the context of social welfare, you might hear 生活保護 (seikatsu hogo - public assistance/welfare). This is different from 年金 because it is based on financial need rather than prior contributions. If a person's 年金 is too low to survive on, they might receive 生活保護 to make up the difference. Another term is 手当 (teate - allowance), such as 児童手当 (jidou teate - child allowance). While 'teate' and 'nenkin' are both government payments, 'nenkin' is specifically for long-term social insurance benefits like old age, disability, or death. In English, we might use 'annuity' for certain types of private 年金, but in Japanese, the word 年金 covers both government social security and private financial annuities. Finally, the word 積立金 (tsumitatekin - reserve fund/savings) is often used when talking about the money being saved up to pay for future pensions.

Nenkin vs. Seikatsu Hogo: Nenkin is an insurance benefit based on contributions. Seikatsu Hogo is a welfare safety net for those with no other means of support.

将来の不安を解消するために、年金以外の資産形成も大切です。(To resolve future anxieties, asset formation other than a pension is also important.)

遺族年金は、亡くなった方の家族を支える制度です。(The survivors' pension is a system that supports the family of the deceased.)

Comparison Table: 国民年金 (Basic) / 厚生年金 (Employee-based) / 確定拠出年金 (Defined Contribution).

彼は障害年金を申請することにしました。(He decided to apply for a disability pension.)

老後の備えとして、個人年金は有効な手段です。(As a preparation for old age, a private pension is an effective means.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Universal Pension' (国民皆年金) system was only fully established in Japan in 1961. Before that, many people had no formal pension support.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nen.kin/

US /nen.kin/

Heiban (Flat) - The pitch remains steady across both syllables.

Rhymes With

現金 (Genkin) 献金 (Kenkin) 返金 (Henkin) 点金 (Tenkin) 送金 (Soukin) 預金 (Yokin) 賞金 (Shoukin) 罰金 (Bakkin)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kin' as 'keen'. It should be short.
Stress on the first syllable. Japanese pitch is usually flat for this word.
Elongating the 'n' sound too much.
Confusing the 'n' with an 'm' sound.
Failing to distinguish the two kanji sounds clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are basic, but the compound words can be complex for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing the kanji for 'nen' and 'kin' is easy, but technical terms require practice.

Speaking 1/5

The word is short and easy to pronounce with flat pitch.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in news and administrative contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

年金払うもらう生活

Learn Next

社会保険税金退職高齢化福祉

Advanced

賦課方式所得代替率マクロ経済スライド財政検証確定給付

Grammar to Know

Noun + に加入する (Join a system)

国民年金に加入する。

Noun + から天引きされる (Deducted from...)

給料から年金が天引きされる。

Noun + を受給する (Formal 'to receive')

６５歳から年金を受給する。

Noun + で生活する (Live on...)

年金だけで生活するのは大変だ。

Noun + 制度 (System)

日本の年金制度は複雑です。

Examples by Level

私は年金を払います。

I pay the pension.

Subject + Object + Verb (Standard A1 structure).

おじいさんは年金をもらっています。

My grandfather is receiving a pension.

Using '-te iru' to show a continuous state or recurring action.

年金はいくらですか？

How much is the pension?

Simple question using 'ikura' (how much).

これは私の年金手帳です。

This is my pension handbook.

Possessive 'no' with a compound noun.

年金は大切です。

Pensions are important.

Noun + wa + Adjective (A1 basic sentence).

６５歳から年金が始まります。

The pension starts from age 65.

Using 'kara' to indicate the starting point.

父は年金生活をしています。

My father is living on a pension.

Using 'nenkin seikatsu' as a compound noun.

銀行で年金を受け取ります。

I receive the pension at the bank.

Using 'de' to mark the location of an action.

給料から年金が天引きされます。

The pension is deducted from my salary.

Passive form 'sareru' indicating an automatic action.

国民年金に加入しなければなりません。

You must join the National Pension.

Using 'nakereba narimasen' to express obligation.

年金の支払いを忘れないでください。

Please don't forget to pay your pension.

Negative request 'nai de kudasai'.

将来、年金がもらえるか心配です。

I'm worried about whether I can get a pension in the future.

Using 'ka' for an embedded question/uncertainty.

市役所に年金の相談に行きました。

I went to the city hall to consult about the pension.

Using 'ni iku' to show the purpose of movement.

学生は年金の支払いが免除されます。

Students are exempt from pension payments.

Passive voice 'menjo sareru'.

年金定期便が家に届きました。

The regular pension notice arrived at my house.

Compound noun 'nenkin teikibin'.

彼は年金だけで生活しています。

He lives only on his pension.

Using 'dake' to mean 'only'.

厚生年金は会社と本人が半分ずつ負担します。

The company and the individual each bear half of the Welfare Pension.

Using 'zutsu' to mean 'each'.

退職したら国民年金に切り替える必要があります。

If you retire, you need to switch to the National Pension.

Using 'tara' for conditional and 'hitsuyou ga aru' for necessity.

年金の受給開始年齢が引き上げられました。

The age to start receiving the pension has been raised.

Passive honorific or standard passive 'hikiagerareta'.

障害年金の受給資格を確認しました。

I confirmed the eligibility for the disability pension.

Compound noun 'jukyuu shikaku'.

物価に合わせて年金額が調整されます。

The pension amount is adjusted according to prices.

Using 'ni awasete' to mean 'in accordance with'.

年金制度の持続可能性が議論されています。

The sustainability of the pension system is being discussed.

Abstract noun 'jizoku kanousei'.

彼は個人年金保険にも加入しています。

He is also enrolled in private pension insurance.

Adding 'mo' to show an addition to the public system.

年金を繰り下げて受給することにしました。

I decided to defer my pension benefits.

Using 'koto ni suru' to show a decision.

少子高齢化により年金財政は厳しさを増しています。

Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, pension finances are becoming increasingly strained.

Using 'ni yori' to show cause and 'mashi te iru' for increasing state.

政府は年金制度の抜本的な改革を模索しています。

The government is seeking a fundamental reform of the pension system.

Using '抜本的' (fundamental) and '模索' (seeking/groping for).

確定拠出年金は自己責任で運用する必要があります。

Defined contribution pensions must be managed at one's own risk.

Using 'jiko sekinin' (self-responsibility).

年金の所得代替率を維持することが課題です。

Maintaining the income replacement rate of the pension is a challenge.

Technical term 'shotoku daitai ritsu'.

遺族年金は、一家の支柱を失った家族の生活を守ります。

The survivors' pension protects the lives of families who have lost the breadwinner.

Metaphorical use of 'shichuu' (pillar/breadwinner).

マクロ経済スライドによって、給付額が抑制される可能性があります。

There is a possibility that benefit amounts will be suppressed by the macroeconomic slide.

Using 'yotte' for means and 'yousei' for possibility.

年金記録の不備が社会問題となりました。

Deficiencies in pension records became a social issue.

Using 'fubi' (deficiency/flaw).

国民年金保険料の納付率は、近年上昇傾向にあります。

The contribution rate for National Pension premiums has been on an upward trend in recent years.

Using 'keikou ni aru' to describe a trend.

公的年金は、世代間の扶助という理念に基づいています。

Public pensions are based on the philosophy of intergenerational support.

Using 'rinen ni motozuite' (based on a philosophy).

年金積立金管理運用独立行政法人（GPIF）は、世界最大規模の機関投資家です。

The Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) is one of the world's largest institutional investors.

Proper noun with complex Kanji strings.

年金の財政検証は、少なくとも５年ごとに行われます。

The actuarial valuation of the pension is conducted at least every five years.

Using 'sukunakutomo' (at least).

賦課方式から積立方式への移行については、多くの議論があります。

There is much debate regarding the transition from a pay-as-you-go system to a funded system.

Technical economic terms 'fuka houshiki' and 'tsumitate houshiki'.

社会保障協定により、海外での就労期間が年金加入期間に合算されます。

Due to social security agreements, periods of employment abroad are added to the pension coverage period.

Using 'gassan sareru' (to be totaled/added up).

年金受給権の発生には、一定の受給資格期間を満たす必要があります。

To generate the right to receive a pension, one must satisfy a certain period of eligibility.

Using 'hassei' (occurrence/generation) and 'mitasu' (satisfy/fulfill).

インフレヘッジとして、物価スライド制が導入されています。

A price slide system has been introduced as an inflation hedge.

Katakana loanword 'hedge' used in a technical context.

年金制度の歪みが、若年層の不信感を招いています。

Distortions in the pension system are leading to distrust among the younger generation.

Using 'hizumi' (distortion) and 'manaku' (to invite/lead to).

日本の公的年金制度は、人口構造の変化という未曾有の試練に直面している。

Japan's public pension system is facing an unprecedented ordeal in the form of changes to the population structure.

Using 'mizou' (unprecedented) and 'chokumen' (confront/face).

年金債務の計上方法如何によって、企業の財務諸表は大きく変動する。

Depending on the method of accounting for pension liabilities, a company's financial statements vary significantly.

Using 'ikan ni yotte' (depending on).

受給開始年齢の更なる引き上げは、政治的に極めてデリケートな課題である。

Further raising the age at which benefits begin is an extremely delicate political issue.

Using 'kiwamete' (extremely) and 'sara naru' (further).

年金制度の持続性を担保するためには、労働市場の構造改革が不可欠だ。

In order to guarantee the sustainability of the pension system, structural reform of the labor market is indispensable.

Using 'tanpo' (guarantee/collateral) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

現行の賦課方式は、将来世代への過度な負担転嫁を孕んでいるとの批判がある。

There are criticisms that the current pay-as-you-go system involves an excessive transfer of the burden to future generations.

Using 'haraude iru' (to harbor/contain) and 'tenka' (transfer/impute).

年金資産の運用において、ESG投資の重要性が国際的に高まっている。

In the management of pension assets, the importance of ESG investment is increasing internationally.

Financial terminology 'unyou' and 'ESG toushi'.

最低保障年金の導入を巡る議論は、社会保障の再分配機能の在り方を問うものである。

The debate surrounding the introduction of a minimum guaranteed pension questions the nature of the redistributive function of social security.

Using 'meguru' (surrounding) and 'ari-kata' (the way something should be).

年金制度の形骸化を防ぐためには、国民の信頼回復が急務である。

To prevent the pension system from becoming a mere shell, restoring public trust is an urgent matter.

Using 'keigaika' (becoming a mere shell/skeleton) and 'kyuumu' (urgent task).

Synonyms

公的年金老齢年金恩給個人年金企業年金

Antonyms

給料現役収入

Common Collocations

年金を払う

年金をもらう

年金に加入する

年金を運用する

年金が天引きされる

年金制度を改革する

年金生活を送る

年金額を計算する

年金が支給される

年金の手続きをする

Common Phrases

年金暮らし

— Living on a pension. Often used to describe the lifestyle of the elderly.

彼は今は年金暮らしです。

年金手帳

— Pension handbook. A vital document for all residents in Japan.

年金手帳を失くさないでください。

年金定期便

— Regular pension statement sent annually to contributors.

年金定期便で納付状況を確認する。

国民年金

— The basic national pension for all residents.

自営業者は国民年金に入ります。

厚生年金

— The welfare pension for employees in companies.

サラリーマンは厚生年金に加入します。

年金支給日

— The day pension benefits are paid out.

年金支給日は銀行が混みます。

確定拠出年金

— Defined contribution pension (like 401k).

確定拠出年金で資産を運用する。

個人年金

— Private pension plans offered by insurance companies.

個人年金で老後に備える。

年金免除

— Exemption from paying pension premiums.

収入が低いので年金免除を申請した。

年金受給者

— Pensioner; someone who receives a pension.

日本には年金受給者が多いです。

Often Confused With

年金 vs 年収

Nenshuu is annual income from working; Nenkin is retirement money.

年金 vs 退職金

Taishokukin is a one-time lump sum; Nenkin is a recurring payment.

年金 vs 保険

Hoken is insurance (usually health); Nenkin is specifically for retirement.

Idioms & Expressions

"年金の食いつぶし"

— Eating away at the pension; spending the pension money too quickly.

無駄遣いをして年金の食いつぶしをしてはいけない。

Informal

"年金パラダイス"

— A satirical term for a lifestyle where one lives comfortably solely on a pension.

昔は年金パラダイスと言われた時代もあった。

Slang/Satirical

"年金頼み"

— Relying entirely on one's pension for survival.

老後の生活が年金頼みになるのは不安だ。

Neutral

"年金消えた問題"

— Referring to the 2007 scandal where millions of pension records were lost.

年金消えた問題は大きな政治不信を招いた。

Journalistic

"年金の壁"

— The income limit where one must start paying their own pension instead of being a dependent.

扶養内で働くために年金の壁を意識する。

Colloquial

"年金のつなぎ"

— Using other funds to bridge the gap until pension payments start.

退職から受給開始までの年金のつなぎ資金が必要だ。

Neutral

"年金泥棒"

— A derogatory term for someone perceived as taking from the system without contributing.

不当に受給する人は年金泥棒と呼ばれる。

Pejorative

"年金二階建て"

— The structure of the Japanese system where one has the basic pension and an additional layer.

日本の年金は二階建て構造になっている。

Technical

"年金の繰り上げ"

— Taking the pension early (at a reduced rate).

早く引退したいので年金の繰り上げを検討する。

Neutral

"年金の繰り下げ"

— Delaying the pension (to get a higher rate).

健康なうちは働いて年金の繰り下げをするつもりだ。

Neutral

Easily Confused

年金 vs 恩給

Both mean pension.

Onkyuu is historical/military; Nenkin is modern/civilian.

彼は退役軍人として恩給を得ている。

年金 vs 手当

Both are government benefits.

Teate is usually for specific needs (children, housing); Nenkin is for age/disability.

児童手当を申請しました。

年金 vs 積立金

Both involve saving money.

Tsumitatekin is the act of saving or the fund itself; Nenkin is the payment received.

将来のために積立金を増やす。

年金 vs 賦課

Related to how pensions are funded.

Fuka is the system of charging current workers; Nenkin is the benefit.

賦課方式の課題を議論する。

年金 vs 受給

Often used with Nenkin.

Jukyuu is the verb/action of receiving; Nenkin is the noun (the money).

年金を受給する権利があります。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は [Nenkin] をもらいます。

祖母は年金をもらいます。

[Salary] から [Nenkin] が引かれます。

給料から年金が引かれます。

[Age] から [Nenkin] を受給し始めます。

６５歳から年金を受給し始めます。

[Problem] により [Nenkin] 制度が危ぶまれている。

少子化により年金制度が危ぶまれている。

[System] は [Philosophy] に基づいている。

年金制度は世代間扶助に基づいている。

[Action] は [Nenkin] の持続性を担保する。

改革は年金の持続性を担保する。

Business

弊社は [Nenkin] 制度を導入しております。

弊社は企業年金制度を導入しております。

Administrative

[Nenkin] の免除を申請する。

年金の免除を申請する。

Word Family

Nouns

年金受給者

年金制度

年金記録

年金手帳

年金事務所

Verbs

年金を受給する

年金を納める

年金を運用する

年金を裁定する

Adjectives

年金的な

公的年金の

老後

社会保険

退職金

積立金

保険料

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news and among people over 20.

Common Mistakes

Using 'nenkin' for a one-time retirement bonus. → 退職金 (taishokukin)
Nenkin is an ongoing payment (annuity), while taishokukin is a lump sum paid upon leaving a company.
Saying 'nenkin o kau' (buy a pension). → 年金を払う (nenkin o harau)
In Japanese, you 'pay' or 'contribute' to the pension, you don't 'buy' it like a product.
Confusing 'nenkin' with 'nenshuu'. → 年金 (pension) vs 年収 (annual income)
Nenshuu is what you earn while working. Nenkin is what you get after you stop working.
Using 'nenkin' for health insurance. → 健康保険 (kenkou hoken)
While both are social insurance, health insurance covers medical bills, and nenkin covers retirement.
Thinking 'nenkin' is optional for foreigners. → It is mandatory (gimu).
Many learners believe they don't have to pay, but it is a legal requirement for all residents.

Tips

Use correct particles

Use 'o' with 'harau' (pay) and 'ga' with 'hikaremasu' (deducted). This clarity helps people understand your financial status.

Respect the Blue Book

Your Nenkin Techou is a vital ID. Keep it safe as you would a passport or health insurance card.

Nenkin-gurashi

Use this term to describe retirees. It sounds very natural and shows you understand Japanese social structures.

Identify the 'Kin'

Many financial words end in 'kin'. Distinguish 'nenkin' from 'genkin' (cash) or 'yokin' (deposit) by listening for the 'nen'.

Kanji Meaning

Remembering 'Year' + 'Money' will ensure you never forget the meaning of this word.

Check the News

Search for '年金' on news sites like NHK Easy News to see the word used in current, simple contexts.

Avoid 'Suru'

Never say 'nenkin-suru'. Always pair it with a functional verb like 'harau' or 'jukyuu suru'.

City Hall Vocabulary

If you are at the ward office, look for the sign '国民年金' (National Pension) to find the right department.

The Golden Years

Associate 'kin' (gold) with your 'golden years' of retirement. It's the money for your golden years.

Mandatory Nature

Remember that 'nenkin' is not a choice in Japan. Using words like 'obligation' (gimu) is appropriate when discussing it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nen' as 'New Year' and 'Kin' as 'Coins'. Every year you get coins for being old.

Visual Association

Visualize a blue handbook (the actual color of the Nenkin Techou) with a pile of gold coins on top of it.

Word Web

Retirement Old Age Government Savings Tax Senior Insurance Future

Challenge

Write three sentences about what you will do with your 'nenkin' when you turn 70 years old.

Word Origin

The term 'Nenkin' comes from the Sino-Japanese reading of the characters 年 (year) and 金 (money). It originated in the Meiji era as Japan modernized its administrative and military systems, adopting Western-style pension concepts.

Original meaning: A stipend paid annually.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing pension amounts with the elderly, as it can be a source of financial stress or pride.

In the US, this is 'Social Security'. In the UK, it's the 'State Pension'. Unlike some Western systems, the Japanese one is strictly mandatory for all residents regardless of nationality.

Nenkin 2000-man en Mondai (The 20 million yen problem report) Kieta Nenkin (The Lost Pension Records Scandal) Nenkin Net (The official government portal)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the City Hall

年金の住所変更をしたいです。
年金の手帳を紛失しました。
国民年金に切り替えたいです。
免除の申請はできますか？

At the Company (HR)

厚生年金は給料から引かれますか？
年金手帳を提出してください。
会社が半分負担します。
企業年金制度はありますか？

Family Discussion

父は年金で暮らしています。
老後の年金が心配だね。
年金支給日に食事に行こう。
個人年金にも入っておこう。

Watching the News

年金制度の改革案が出た。
受給年齢が上がるらしい。
年金積立金の運用成績が良い。
少子化で年金が減るかもしれない。

Banking

年金の受取口座を指定する。
今日は年金日だから混んでいる。
年金が振り込まれました。
年金担保貸付はありますか？

Conversation Starters

"将来の年金について、何か準備をしていますか？"

"日本では何歳から年金がもらえるか知っていますか？"

"年金定期便をチェックしたことはありますか？"

"あなたの国と日本の年金制度は、どこが違いますか？"

"最近の年金改革についてのニュースを見ましたか？"

Journal Prompts

もし十分な年金がもらえたら、退職後にどんな生活を送りたいですか？

日本の年金制度について、あなたが一番心配なことは何ですか？

自分の国の年金制度と、日本の年金制度を比較して書いてみましょう。

『年金2000万円問題』について、あなたはどう考えますか？

老後のために、年金以外にどのような準備が必要だと思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, all residents between 20 and 60 must pay into the system. If you leave Japan, you can claim a partial refund.

Kokumin Nenkin is the basic level for everyone. Kousei Nenkin is for company employees and provides higher benefits.

The standard age is 65, but you can choose to start as early as 60 or as late as 75.

You can apply for a re-issuance at your local pension office or city hall.

It is the day pensions are paid, occurring on the 15th of every even-numbered month.

No, it is mandatory by law for all residents of Japan.

A report that suggested retirees need 20 million yen in savings in addition to their pension.

An annual statement sent to you on your birthday showing your contribution history.

Yes, pension benefits are considered taxable income in Japan, though there are deductions.

Yes, there is a 'Shougai Nenkin' (Disability Pension) for those who meet the criteria.