収益
収益 in 30 Seconds
- Shūeki means revenue or gross earnings from business or investments.
- It is a formal noun used in professional, financial, and digital contexts.
- It differs from 'rieki' (profit) because it represents the total money before expenses.
- Commonly used today for 'monetization' (shūekika) on social media platforms.
The Japanese word 収益 (しゅうえき - shūeki) is a cornerstone of business and financial vocabulary. In its most fundamental sense, it refers to the total amount of money or value that an individual or business receives from their operations, investments, or assets during a specific period. While often translated as 'revenue' or 'earnings' in English, its usage in Japanese is precisely defined within the context of accounting and economic activity. The first kanji, 収 (shū), means to obtain, reap, or gather—evoking the image of a harvest. The second kanji, 益 (eki), signifies profit, benefit, or gain. Together, they represent the 'gathered gains' of an entity. It is important to distinguish this from 'profit' (利益 - rieki), which is what remains after expenses are subtracted. Shūeki is the top-line figure, the gross inflow of economic benefits.
- Accounting Context
- In formal financial statements, shūeki represents the gross increase in equity resulting from ordinary activities.
- Investment Context
- It refers to the returns generated from stocks, bonds, or real estate, such as dividends or interest.
- Digital Economy
- Commonly used by YouTubers and bloggers to describe their 'monetization' or ad revenue (収益化 - shūekika).
この事業は高い収益を生み出している。 (This business is generating high revenue.)
You will encounter this word most frequently in professional settings. If you are reading a company's annual report, listening to a financial news segment on NHK, or discussing business strategy, shūeki is the standard term. It carries a formal and objective tone. Unlike the more casual word mouke (儲け), which might be used over a beer to talk about making a quick buck, shūeki implies a structured, documented financial gain. It is also the term used for 'monetization' in the modern creator economy. When a YouTube channel reaches the required number of subscribers to start showing ads, they 'monetize' the channel, which in Japanese is expressed as 収益化 (shūekika).
不動産投資による収益で生活しています。 (I live off the income generated from real estate investments.)
Furthermore, shūeki is often paired with verbs like 上げる (ageru - to raise/generate), 得る (eru - to obtain), or 生む (umu - to produce). It is a noun that describes a state of financial inflow. In the context of national economy, it can refer to the revenue of the state or public institutions. Because it is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word), it sounds more academic and precise than its 'wago' (native Japanese) counterparts. Understanding this word allows you to navigate the world of Japanese finance, entrepreneurship, and professional management with confidence.
新しいアプリの収益モデルを検討しています。 (We are considering the revenue model for the new application.)
- Revenue Model
- 収益モデル (shūeki moderu) - The framework for how a business makes money.
- Profitability
- 収益性 (shūekisei) - The capacity of a business or investment to generate revenue relative to its costs.
観光業は市の主な収益源です。 (Tourism is the city's main source of revenue.)
Finally, when discussing the future potential of a company, analysts often look at 収益見通し (shūeki mitōshi), which is the revenue forecast. This word is indispensable for anyone looking to engage with the Japanese-speaking world in a professional or financial capacity. It encapsulates the goal of most business ventures: the successful generation of value that can be measured in monetary terms.
Using 収益 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. Since it is a formal word, it is usually found in polite (desu/masu) or formal (da/dearu) contexts. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence, and frequently appears in compound nouns. To say 'to earn revenue,' you use 収益を上げる (shūeki o ageru) or 収益を得る (shūeki o eru). To describe something that 'produces revenue,' you use 収益を生む (shūeki o umu). Let's look at how these patterns manifest in various scenarios.
- Action: Generating Revenue
- Use '上げる' (to raise) or '生み出す' (to create). Example: 企業は収益を上げるために努力する (Companies strive to increase revenue).
- State: Having Revenue
- Use 'がある' (there is) or 'に繋がる' (leads to). Example: この投資は収益に繋がる (This investment leads to revenue).
広告から収益を得るのは難しい。 (It is difficult to obtain revenue from advertisements.)
One of the most common modern uses is the verb form 収益化する (shūekika suru), which means 'to monetize.' This is used when a previously non-commercial activity starts generating money. For example, a social media platform might 'monetize' its user base by introducing ads. In this case, 'shūeki' is the root, 'ka' is a suffix meaning '-ization,' and 'suru' makes it a verb. This is a very useful word for the tech and media industries.
彼はYouTubeチャンネルを収益化した。 (He monetized his YouTube channel.)
In financial reporting, shūeki is often modified by time periods. You will see 四半期収益 (shihanki shūeki - quarterly revenue) or 年間収益 (nenkan shūeki - annual revenue). These compound nouns are vital for business Japanese. When discussing the source of the money, the word 収益源 (shūekigen - revenue source) is used. For instance, a company might say their main revenue source is software subscriptions.
前年度比で収益が20%増加した。 (Revenue increased by 20% compared to the previous year.)
- Growth
- 収益が増加する (shūeki ga zōka suru) - Revenue increases.
- Decline
- 収益が減少する (shūeki ga genshō suru) - Revenue decreases.
そのプロジェクトはまだ収益を生んでいない。 (That project hasn't produced any revenue yet.)
Finally, when talking about the distribution of revenue, you might hear 収益の分配 (shūeki no bunpai - distribution of earnings). This is common in partnership agreements or investment funds. As you can see, shūeki is a versatile noun that forms the backbone of many professional Japanese expressions. Mastering its collocations will significantly improve your ability to discuss economic topics.
The word 収益 is ubiquitous in the Japanese business world, but its reach extends into several specific cultural and professional niches. If you turn on the news, especially the economic segments on channels like TV Tokyo or NHK, you will hear it constantly. News anchors use it when reporting on the 'Big Three' banks' annual performances or the latest quarterly results from tech giants like Sony or Toyota. It is the formal, objective standard for discussing the financial health of an organization.
- The Boardroom
- During management meetings (経営会議 - keiei kaigi), executives discuss how to maximize 'shūeki' while minimizing costs.
- Financial News
- Headlines often read '収益が過去最高' (Revenue reaches record high).
今週の経済ニュースでは、各社の収益報告が注目されています。 (In this week's economic news, the revenue reports of various companies are drawing attention.)
Beyond the corporate world, shūeki has become a common term in the digital landscape. Japan has a massive community of YouTubers, VTubers, and social media influencers. For these creators, 収益化 (shūekika - monetization) is a major milestone. You will often see video titles like 'ついに収益化達成!' (Finally achieved monetization!) or discussions about '収益が激減した' (Revenue has plummeted) due to changes in platform algorithms. In this context, it feels slightly more personal but remains the technical term for the money generated through their content.
彼はブログの収益だけで生活しているそうです。 (I heard he lives solely on the revenue from his blog.)
You will also hear this word in the context of real estate and investments. When someone talks about an 'investment property,' they call it a 収益物件 (shūeki bukken). This specifically refers to a property purchased for the purpose of generating rental income, rather than for the owner to live in. If you visit a Japanese real estate office or browse investment websites, this term will appear frequently. It signals that the primary value of the asset is its ability to generate ongoing financial gain.
都心の収益物件を探しています。 (I am looking for a revenue-generating property in the city center.)
- Public Service
- 収益事業 (shūeki jigyō) - A profit-making business run by a non-profit or public entity.
- Charity
- 収益金 (shūekikin) - The proceeds or earnings from an event, often donated to charity.
このイベントの収益は震災の復興支援に使われます。 (The proceeds from this event will be used for earthquake recovery support.)
In summary, shūeki is the word of choice whenever money is discussed as a result of an organized effort, whether that's a global corporation, a side-hustle blog, or a community bake sale. It sounds professional, precise, and serious.
For English speakers learning Japanese, the most frequent mistake when using 収益 is confusing it with other money-related terms like 利益 (rieki), 売上 (uriage), and 収入 (shūnyū). While they all translate to 'money coming in' in a broad sense, their technical meanings are distinct and using the wrong one can lead to confusion in a professional setting. Let's break down these common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Confusing Shūeki with Rieki
- This is the most common error. 'Shūeki' is revenue (total money in), while 'Rieki' is profit (money in minus expenses). If you say 'Our shūeki was high but we lost money,' it makes sense. If you say 'Our rieki was high but we lost money,' it is a contradiction.
- Mistake 2: Confusing Shūeki with Uriage
- 'Uriage' specifically refers to 'sales'—the money from selling goods or services. 'Shūeki' is broader; it includes sales PLUS interest, dividends, and other gains. A bank has 'shūeki' but rarely has 'uriage' in the traditional sense.
❌ Incorrect: 私の月給は収益です。
✅ Correct: 私の月給は収入です。 (My monthly salary is income.)
Another common mistake is using shūeki for personal salary. If you are talking about the money you get from your boss every month, the correct word is 収入 (shūnyū) or 給与 (kyūyo). Using shūeki to describe your paycheck sounds like you are treating yourself as a corporation or an investment asset, which is linguistically strange in Japanese. However, if you have a side business or investments, the money those things generate can be called shūeki.
❌ Incorrect: このパン屋の収益はパンの売り上げだけです。
✅ Correct: このパン屋の売上は好調です。 (The sales of this bakery are doing well.)
Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that shūeki is a noun and try to use it directly as a verb without 'suru' or 'o ageru'. For example, saying 'shūeki-masu' is incorrect; you must say 収益を上げます (shūeki o agemasu). Also, be careful with the particles. Revenue *increases* using the particle 'ga' (収益が増える), but you *raise* revenue using 'o' (収益を増やす).
- Confusion with 'Mōke'
- Using 'shūeki' in a very casual setting (like with friends) can sound overly stiff. In those cases, 'mōke' (儲け) is more natural, though it specifically means 'profit' rather than 'revenue'.
- Compound Error
- Saying 'shūeki-kin' (収益金) when you just mean 'shūeki'. 'Shūekikin' usually refers to a specific pot of money resulting from an event or project, not the abstract concept of revenue.
経費がかさみ、収益はあっても利益が出ない。 (Expenses are high, so even though there is revenue, there is no profit.)
Lastly, pay attention to the pronunciation. The long 'ū' in shūeki is important. Pronouncing it as 'shueki' (short 'u') might make it sound like 'liquid/fluid' (sueki/shueki depending on dialect/context), though that's a rare confusion. Clear vowel length is key to sounding professional.
To truly master 収益, you must understand how it sits within a family of related terms. Japanese has many words for 'money' and 'gain,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the context (business vs. personal), the formality (formal vs. casual), and the technical definition (gross vs. net). Here is a comparison of the most common alternatives.
- 利益 (Rieki) - Profit
- The most important distinction. Rieki is what you keep after paying bills. Shūeki is the total amount that came in. In English: Revenue vs. Profit.
- 売上 (Uriage) - Sales / Turnover
- Specifically the money from selling products or services. A company's 'shūeki' includes its 'uriage' plus other things like stock dividends.
- 収入 (Shūnyū) - Income
- Usually used for personal income, like a salary. While 'shūeki' sounds corporate, 'shūnyū' sounds like a person's livelihood.
今月の売上は目標に届かなかった。 (This month's sales did not reach the target.)
If you are looking for more casual or specific terms, consider these: 儲け (mōke) is a colloquial way to say 'profit' or 'takings.' You might hear a shopkeeper say '今日の儲けはこれだけだ' (This is all the profit I made today). It feels much less formal than shūeki. Then there is 所得 (shotoku), which is a technical term used primarily in tax contexts (e.g., 所得税 - income tax). It refers to the taxable portion of your income.
副業でかなりの儲けが出た。 (I made a considerable profit from my side job.)
In the context of investments, you might hear 利回り (rimawari), which means 'yield.' This is the percentage of revenue relative to the investment amount. While shūeki is the raw amount, rimawari is the rate of return. Another related term is 配当 (haitō), which refers specifically to 'dividends' paid out to shareholders from the company's shūeki.
この株式は高い利回りが期待できる。 (This stock can be expected to have a high yield.)
- 実益 (Jitsueki) - Practical Benefit
- Used when talking about non-monetary gains that are still 'useful' or 'profitable' in a practical sense.
- 収支 (Shūshi) - Income and Expenditure
- Refers to the overall balance of money coming in and going out.
今期の収支報告書を作成する。 (I will prepare the income and expenditure report for this term.)
Understanding these synonyms and alternatives will help you avoid repetitive language and allow you to express financial concepts with the precision required in Japanese culture. Whether you are discussing a YouTube channel's monetization or a multinational's quarterly earnings, you now have the tools to choose the perfect word.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 益 (eki) originally depicted water overflowing from a bowl, symbolizing abundance and gain.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'shū' as a short 'shu' (shueki).
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'rieki' (profit).
- Mumbling the 'ki' at the end.
- Nasalizing the 'e' sound.
- Over-emphasizing the 'u' so it sounds like two syllables.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji are N3/N2 level, but the concept is introduced early in business contexts.
Writing the kanji '益' can be tricky for beginners.
The word is easy to pronounce once you master the long vowel.
Very common in news and business, making it easy to recognize.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + 化 (ka)
収益化 (Monetization)
Verb Stem + 悩む (nayamu)
伸び悩む (Struggling to grow)
Noun + 性 (sei)
収益性 (Profitability)
Noun + 源 (gen)
収益源 (Revenue source)
Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun)
収益目標 (Revenue target)
Examples by Level
このお店は収益があります。
This shop has revenue.
Simple subject + particle 'wa' + object + verb 'arimasu'.
収益はいくらですか?
How much is the revenue?
Question form using 'ikura desu ka'.
YouTubeで収益を得ます。
I get revenue from YouTube.
Using the particle 'de' for the source/tool.
収益は大切です。
Revenue is important.
Simple 'A wa B desu' structure.
新しい収益があります。
There is new revenue.
Adjective 'atarashii' modifying 'shūeki'.
収益を上げたいです。
I want to raise revenue.
Verb 'ageru' in the '-tai' (want to) form.
これは私の収益です。
This is my revenue.
Possessive 'watashi no' modifying the noun.
収益が少ないです。
The revenue is low.
Adjective 'sukunai' describing the subject.
彼はブログを収益化しました。
He monetized his blog.
Compound verb 'shūekika suru' in past tense.
収益源を増やしたいです。
I want to increase my revenue sources.
Compound noun 'shūekigen' (revenue source).
このビジネスは収益性が高いです。
This business has high profitability.
Noun 'shūekisei' (profitability) + 'takai'.
去年の収益は良かったです。
Last year's revenue was good.
Time phrase 'kyonen no' as a modifier.
広告で収益を上げています。
We are generating revenue through advertisements.
Present progressive form 'agete imasu'.
収益の一部を寄付します。
I will donate a part of the revenue.
Object 'shūeki no ichibu' (a part of the revenue).
収益モデルを考えましょう。
Let's think about the revenue model.
Volitional form 'kangaemashō' (let's think).
収益が安定しています。
The revenue is stable.
Verb 'antei suru' in the '-te iru' state form.
売上は高いが、収益はまだ低い。
Sales are high, but revenue is still low.
Contrastive particle 'ga' (but).
収益を見通すのは難しい。
It is difficult to forecast revenue.
Verb 'mitōsu' (to forecast) turned into a noun phrase with 'no'.
収益の分配について話し合いました。
We discussed the distribution of earnings.
Formal phrase 'nitsuite' (about).
不動産投資で安定した収益を得る。
Obtain stable revenue through real estate investment.
Adjective 'antei shita' (stable) modifying 'shūeki'.
収益が悪化している原因を調べます。
I will investigate the cause of the deteriorating revenue.
Relative clause 'shūeki ga akka shite iru' modifying 'gen'in'.
このアプリの収益化には時間がかかる。
It takes time to monetize this app.
Phrase 'jikan ga kakaru' (to take time).
収益目標を達成するために残業した。
I worked overtime to achieve the revenue target.
Purpose clause 'tame ni' (in order to).
会社全体の収益が改善されました。
The revenue of the entire company has been improved.
Passive voice 'kaizen saremashita'.
四半期収益報告書を提出してください。
Please submit the quarterly revenue report.
Compound noun 'shihanki shūeki hōkokusho'.
収益性の低い事業からは撤退すべきだ。
We should withdraw from businesses with low profitability.
Auxiliary verb 'beki da' (should).
為替変動が収益に大きな影響を与えた。
Currency fluctuations had a major impact on revenue.
Idiom 'eikyō o ataeru' (to have an impact).
収益物件としての価値を評価する。
Evaluate the value as a revenue-generating property.
Particle 'toshite' (as).
収益の多様化が今後の課題です。
Diversification of revenue is a challenge for the future.
Noun 'tayōka' (diversification).
予想を上回る収益を記録しました。
We recorded revenue that exceeded expectations.
Verb 'uwamawaru' (to exceed).
収益構造の抜本的な改革が必要です。
A fundamental reform of the revenue structure is necessary.
Adjective 'bapponteki na' (fundamental/drastic).
収益金は被災地の支援に充てられる。
The proceeds will be allocated to support disaster-stricken areas.
Passive verb 'aterareru' (to be allocated/assigned).
営業外収益の計上方法を再検討する。
Re-examine the method of recording non-operating revenue.
Technical term 'eigyō-gai shūeki' (non-operating revenue).
収益認識に関する会計基準が変更された。
Accounting standards regarding revenue recognition have changed.
Complex phrase 'nikan suru' (regarding).
持続可能な収益モデルの構築が急務だ。
Building a sustainable revenue model is an urgent matter.
Adjective 'jizoku kanō na' (sustainable).
収益の極大化を図る戦略を立案する。
Formulate a strategy aimed at maximizing revenue.
Noun 'kyokudaika' (maximization) + 'o hakaru'.
潜在的な収益機会を見逃さない。
Do not overlook potential revenue opportunities.
Adjective 'senzaiteki na' (potential).
収益還元法を用いて企業価値を算出する。
Calculate corporate value using the income capitalization approach.
Technical term 'shūeki kangen-hō'.
連結収益は過去最高を更新する見込みだ。
Consolidated revenue is expected to reach a record high.
Technical term 'renketsu shūeki' (consolidated revenue).
収益の源泉が多角化している。
The sources of revenue are becoming diversified.
Formal word 'gensen' (source/origin).
収益の帰属に関する法的な解釈を巡って争う。
Dispute over the legal interpretation of the attribution of revenue.
Formal phrase 'o megutte' (concerning/over).
短期的な収益追求が企業の長期的成長を阻害する。
The pursuit of short-term revenue hinders long-term corporate growth.
Verb 'sogai suru' (to hinder/obstruct).
収益の適正な配分は社会的公正の観点から重要だ。
The proper distribution of revenue is important from the perspective of social justice.
Phrase 'no kanten kara' (from the perspective of).
収益のボラティリティを抑制するヘッジ策を講じる。
Take hedging measures to suppress revenue volatility.
Loanword 'boratiriti' (volatility) + 'o kōjiru' (to take measures).
収益の質を問う姿勢が投資家に求められている。
Investors are required to have an attitude of questioning the quality of revenue.
Passive 'motomerarete iru' (is being required).
デジタル経済下における収益認識のパラダイムシフト。
A paradigm shift in revenue recognition under the digital economy.
Formal noun 'paradaimu shifuto'.
収益の源泉をグローバルに分散させ、リスクを低減する。
Reduce risk by dispersing revenue sources globally.
Adverbial 'gurōbaru ni' (globally).
収益の最大化と公共の利益は必ずしも両立しない。
Maximization of revenue and public interest are not necessarily compatible.
Adverb 'kanarazushimo... nai' (not necessarily).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The forecast or outlook for future revenue.
来期の収益の見通しは明るい。
— The main pillar or primary source of revenue for a company.
この製品は当社の収益の柱です。
— To maximize revenue through strategic actions.
効率を上げて収益を最大化する。
— Revenue is struggling to grow or has plateaued.
競合が多く、収益が伸び悩んでいる。
— To secure or maintain a certain level of revenue.
まずは安定した収益を確保する。
— To contribute to the overall revenue of an entity.
新入社員も収益に貢献している。
— Revenue decreases sharply or plummets.
パンデミックで収益が激減した。
— A shift or change in the business model for generating money.
デジタル化に伴う収益モデルの転換。
— A portion of the proceeds or earnings.
収益金の一部をチャリティに使う。
Often Confused With
Rieki is profit (net), Shūeki is revenue (gross).
Uriage is specifically sales, Shūeki includes non-sales income.
Shūnyū is usually personal income, Shūeki is for businesses/assets.
Idioms & Expressions
— Profitable or lucrative (used as an adjective).
収益の上がる商売を見つける。
Neutral— To disregard or ignore profit/revenue (often for a higher cause).
収益を度外視してボランティアを行う。
Formal— Counting chickens before they hatch (calculating revenue before it's earned).
まだ売れていないのに収益の皮算用をする。
Casual— To be blinded by potential gains or revenue.
収益に目がくらんで不正を働く。
Neutral— To greedily pursue or devour revenue.
独占禁止法を無視して収益をむさぼる。
Formal— To be successful in making money.
新しい店はやっと収益が上がってきた。
Neutral— The seed or source of future revenue.
この研究は将来の収益の種になる。
Neutral— To actually obtain or receive the revenue.
苦労の末、多額の収益を手にした。
Neutral— To eat away at or deplete the revenue.
無駄な広告費が収益を食いつぶしている。
Neutral— The expectation or prospect of revenue.
収益のあてが外れて困っている。
NeutralEasily Confused
Both start with 'shū' and relate to money.
Shūshi refers to the balance of income and outgo, whereas Shūeki is just the income side.
今月の収支は赤字だ。
Ends with 'eki' and sounds similar.
Jueki means receiving a benefit or being a beneficiary, often in a legal/trust context.
信託の受益者になる。
Starts with 'shū' and relates to 'gathering'.
Shūkaku is literally a harvest of crops, though used metaphorically for results.
リンゴの収穫が始まった。
Almost identical.
Shūekikin refers to the physical money/proceeds from a specific event, not the abstract concept.
収益金を寄付する。
Relates to profit/gain.
Ritoku is a more abstract 'gain' or 'benefit,' often used in psychology or law.
心理的な利得がある。
Sentence Patterns
[Business] は [Amount] の収益があります。
この店は10万円の収益があります。
[Source] から収益を得る。
広告から収益を得る。
[Action] ことで収益を上げる。
コストを削減することで収益を上げる。
[Subject] は収益性が高い。
この不動産は収益性が高い。
収益の [Noun] を図る。
収益の最大化を図る。
収益追求と [Noun] の両立。
収益追求と倫理の両立。
収益を [Verb].
収益を分配する。
収益が [Verb].
収益が増加する。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in business, medium in daily conversation, very high in news media.
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Using 'shūeki' for your monthly salary.
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私の収入 (shūnyū) は...
Shūeki is for businesses or investments. For a personal paycheck, use 'shūnyū' or 'kyūyo.'
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Using 'shūeki' when you mean 'profit' (after expenses).
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利益 (rieki) が出ました。
If you want to say you made money after paying costs, use 'rieki.' Shūeki is just the total money in.
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Saying 'shūeki-masu' as a verb.
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収益を上げます (shūeki o agemasu).
Shūeki is a noun. You must use it with a verb like 'ageru' or turn it into 'shūekika suru.'
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Confusing 'shūeki' with 'uriage' in a bank context.
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銀行の収益 (shūeki).
Banks don't 'sell' goods, so they don't have 'uriage' (sales) in the same way a shop does. They have 'shūeki' from interest.
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Pronouncing it as 'shueki' (short u).
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しゅうえき (shūeki).
The long vowel is essential for correct Japanese pronunciation and professionalism.
Tips
Use in Business Reports
Always use 'shūeki' when writing formal business reports or emails. It shows a high level of professionalism and technical understanding. Avoid using casual words like 'okane' (money) in these documents.
Pair with 'Ageru'
The most natural verb to use with 'shūeki' when you want to say 'generate' or 'increase' revenue is 'ageru' (上げる). For example: 'Shūeki o ageru tame ni doryoku suru' (Strive to increase revenue).
Don't Confuse with Profit
Remember that 'shūeki' is gross, not net. If you are discussing whether a company is actually successful, you must mention 'rieki' (profit) as well, as a company can have high revenue but still be losing money.
Monetization Term
In the context of apps and social media, 'shūekika' (収益化) is the standard term for monetization. If you are a developer or creator, this is the word you will use to discuss your business model.
Investment Properties
If you are looking at Japanese real estate websites, look for the term 'shūeki bukken' (収益物件). This tells you the property is intended for investment purposes, not personal residency.
Charity Context
When organizing a volunteer or charity event, use 'shūekikin' (収益金) to refer to the proceeds. It sounds respectful and clear when explaining where the money will go.
Learn the Suffixes
Learn the suffixes '-sei' (profitability) and '-gen' (source) to expand your vocabulary. 'Shūekisei' and 'shūekigen' are extremely common in economic news.
Vowel Length
Pay close attention to the long 'ū' in 'shūeki.' In Japanese, vowel length changes the meaning. A short 'u' might make the word harder to understand or sound like a different word entirely.
Public Sector
Even non-profits and public entities use 'shūeki' for their 'shūeki jigyō' (profit-making activities). This is a technical term used to distinguish these activities from their main public service mission.
Compare with Uriage
Remember that 'uriage' is for selling things. If you are a consultant or a bank, 'shūeki' is often a more accurate term for your income than 'uriage.'
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are 'Shoeing' (収) a horse to make it run faster so you can win a 'Key' (益) to a treasure chest of revenue. Shū-eki!
Visual Association
Visualize a huge harvest basket (収) overflowing with golden coins (益).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'shūeki' in a sentence about your favorite hobby being monetized. For example: 'My drawing hobby became a shūeki source.'
Word Origin
The word is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word) composed of two characters: 収 and 益.
Original meaning: To gather or collect (収) a benefit or profit (益).
Sino-Japanese (Kanji-based).Cultural Context
Be careful not to sound too 'greedy' by focusing only on 'shūeki' in social settings; Japanese culture often values 'Kōken' (contribution) alongside financial gain.
English speakers often use 'revenue' and 'profit' interchangeably in casual speech, but in Japanese, 'shūeki' and 'rieki' must be kept separate in professional settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Corporate Business
- 収益を上げる
- 収益報告書
- 収益構造
- 収益の柱
Internet/Social Media
- 収益化達成
- 広告収益
- 収益が無効になる
- 収益を公開する
Real Estate/Investment
- 収益物件
- 投資収益率
- 安定した収益
- 収益の最大化
Non-Profit/Charity
- 収益事業
- 収益金
- 全額寄付
- 収益の還元
Personal Finance/Side Hustle
- 副業収益
- 収益源を増やす
- 不労収益
- 収益が出る
Conversation Starters
"最近、YouTubeの収益化についてどう思いますか?"
"あなたの会社で一番の収益源は何ですか?"
"収益を上げるために、どんな工夫をしていますか?"
"投資で収益を得るには、何が大切だと思いますか?"
"新しいビジネスモデルの収益性について話し合いましょう。"
Journal Prompts
今月の自分の副業や趣味からの収益について書いてみましょう。
将来、どのような収益源を持ちたいか具体的に計画を立ててください。
日本の企業の収益報告を見て、気づいたことをメモしましょう。
収益と社会貢献のバランスについて、自分の考えを述べてください。
もし1億円の収益があったら、どのように使いますか?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. While 'sales' (uriage) is a type of revenue, 'shūeki' is a broader accounting term that includes sales plus other income like interest, dividends, and rent. For a retail store, they are often similar, but for a bank, they are very different.
Use 'shūnyū' (収入) when talking about your personal income or salary from a job. Use 'shūeki' (収益) when talking about the money generated by a business, an investment, or a specific project. For example, 'My salary is my shūnyū, but the rent from my apartment is my shūeki.'
It means 'monetization.' When a creator meets the platform's requirements (like subscriber count and watch time), they can apply for 'shūekika' to start earning ad revenue from their videos.
You can say 'shūeki ga takai' (収益が高い) or 'kō-shūeki' (高収益). In formal business reports, you might see 'shūeki no zōka' (収益の増加) for an increase in revenue.
Yes, it is a formal word. In casual conversation with friends, you might use 'mōke' (儲け) to talk about making money, but in any professional or official setting, 'shūeki' is the correct term.
Yes. The money earned from a charity concert or bake sale is called 'shūeki' or 'shūekikin.' It's common to say 'The shūekikin will be donated to charity.'
It is an 'investment property' or 'revenue-generating property.' It refers to real estate purchased specifically to earn rental income rather than for the owner to live in.
This is the most important distinction. 'Shūeki' is revenue (total money in). 'Rieki' is profit (money left after expenses). If you earn $100 but spend $80 on supplies, your 'shūeki' is $100 and your 'rieki' is $20.
Japanese doesn't distinguish between singular and plural for nouns like this. 'Shūeki' can mean 'revenue' or 'revenues' depending on the context.
It is written as 収益. The first kanji 収 means 'obtain' or 'gather,' and the second 益 means 'profit' or 'benefit.'
Test Yourself 192 questions
Translate to Japanese: 'This business generates high revenue.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I want to monetize my YouTube channel.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The company's revenue increased by 10%.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'What is your main revenue source?'
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Translate to Japanese: 'We must improve our profitability.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'All proceeds will be donated.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The revenue forecast for next year is bright.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I am looking for an investment property.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Revenue and profit are different.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'This project leads to revenue.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The shop has no revenue.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Quarterly revenue report.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Maximizing revenue is difficult.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'A stable revenue stream.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Diversification of revenue.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Revenue plummeted due to the pandemic.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'His blog generates revenue every month.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The revenue structure is complex.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'To obtain revenue from stocks.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The revenue target for this term.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 'Shūeki' and 'Rieki' in your own words (in Japanese).
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Tell me about your 'Shūekigen' (revenue sources) if you have any hobbies or jobs.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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How would you ask about a company's revenue forecast in a meeting?
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Say: 'I finally monetized my blog.' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say: 'Revenue increased by 20% compared to last year.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Discuss a way to increase revenue for a coffee shop.
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You said:
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Say: 'This project is very profitable.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Ask: 'Where do the proceeds go?'
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You said:
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Say: 'We need to find a new revenue source.'
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You said:
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Explain what a 'Shūeki Bukken' is to a friend.
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You said:
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Say: 'The revenue target was not achieved.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Talk about the 'Shūeki Moderu' of your favorite app.
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You said:
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Say: 'Revenue is stable every month.'
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You said:
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Say: 'I am worried about the decrease in revenue.'
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You said:
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Ask: 'How much is the annual revenue?'
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You said:
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Say: 'The proceeds will be donated to the disaster area.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Discuss the impact of the internet on revenue.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say: 'We are calculating the quarterly revenue.'
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You said:
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Say: 'Revenue plummeted due to the bad weather.'
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You said:
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Say: 'Let's maximize our revenue.'
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You said:
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Listen to the phrase: '収益を上げるために新しいサービスを始めます。' What is the goal of the new service?
Listen to the phrase: '今期の収益は予想を大きく上回りました。' Did the revenue meet the expectations?
Listen to the phrase: 'この物件の収益性は非常に高いです。' What is being described as high?
Listen to the phrase: '収益金は全額、震災の復興支援に使われます。' How much of the proceeds will be used for support?
Listen to the phrase: '広告収益が去年に比べて半分になりました。' What happened to the ad revenue compared to last year?
Listen to the phrase: '彼の主な収益源は不動産投資です。' What is his main revenue source?
Listen to the phrase: '来期の収益の見通しは不透明です。' Is the future revenue clear?
Listen to the phrase: 'YouTubeの収益化に成功しました。' What happened?
Listen to the phrase: '収益の分配について議論が必要です。' What needs to be discussed?
Listen to the phrase: '収益構造の改革を急いでいます。' What is being rushed?
Listen to the phrase: '今期の連結収益は過去最高です。' What is at a record high?
Listen to the phrase: '収益目標を達成するために残業します。' Why is the person working overtime?
Listen to the phrase: '収益が悪化している原因を特定しました。' What was identified?
Listen to the phrase: 'このアプリは収益化が難しい。' What is difficult about the app?
Listen to the phrase: '収益を社会に還元する。' What is being done with the revenue?
/ 192 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 収益 (shūeki) is the professional term for 'revenue.' Use it when discussing the total money generated by a business, a project, or an investment property (収益物件). Example: 収益を上げる (to raise revenue).
- Shūeki means revenue or gross earnings from business or investments.
- It is a formal noun used in professional, financial, and digital contexts.
- It differs from 'rieki' (profit) because it represents the total money before expenses.
- Commonly used today for 'monetization' (shūekika) on social media platforms.
Use in Business Reports
Always use 'shūeki' when writing formal business reports or emails. It shows a high level of professionalism and technical understanding. Avoid using casual words like 'okane' (money) in these documents.
Pair with 'Ageru'
The most natural verb to use with 'shūeki' when you want to say 'generate' or 'increase' revenue is 'ageru' (上げる). For example: 'Shūeki o ageru tame ni doryoku suru' (Strive to increase revenue).
Don't Confuse with Profit
Remember that 'shūeki' is gross, not net. If you are discussing whether a company is actually successful, you must mention 'rieki' (profit) as well, as a company can have high revenue but still be losing money.
Monetization Term
In the context of apps and social media, 'shūekika' (収益化) is the standard term for monetization. If you are a developer or creator, this is the word you will use to discuss your business model.
Example
事業収益です。
Related Content
More Money words
会計
A1Refers to the process of accounting, managing finances, or settling a bill. In daily life, it is most commonly used when asking for the check at a restaurant or shop.
騰貴
A1A sharp or sudden increase in the price or value of something, such as goods, land, or stocks. It is primarily used in economic contexts to describe significant inflation or market spikes.
収支
A1The balance between income and expenditure; the total amount of money coming in versus money going out. It is used to describe the financial state of an individual, household, or organization.
残高
A1The amount of money remaining in a bank account or a prepaid card after transactions have been made. It specifically refers to the numerical balance or the 'sum total' left over in a financial record.
利息
A1Risoku refers to interest, which is the amount of money earned on savings or paid on a loan over time. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the principal amount.
金融
A1The circulation of money and credit within an economy, specifically referring to the systems of banking, investment, and lending. It describes how capital flows from those who have it to those who need it for business or personal use.
給付
A1Refers to the act of providing or delivering money, goods, or services, typically as a legal or contractual obligation. It is most frequently used in the context of government benefits, insurance payouts, or social welfare distributions.
手形
A1A word with two primary meanings: literally a 'handprint' often used for souvenirs or identification, and a financial 'promissory note' or 'bill of exchange' used in business transactions.
予算
A1A budget or an estimate of the amount of money available for a specific purpose. It refers to the financial plan or limit set before spending occurs in personal, business, or government contexts.
現金
A1Physical money in the form of paper notes and metal coins. It refers specifically to tangible currency as opposed to credit cards, digital payments, or checks.