Japanese Business Glossary

費用 (hiyou) is a Japanese term that translates to "expense" or "cost" in English. It refers to the amount of money spent or required for a particular purpose. This term is commonly used in both personal and business contexts to describe expenditures associated with various activities, products, or services.

In a business setting, hiyou can include various types of expenses such as operating costs, production costs, administrative expenses, and marketing expenses. Managing and controlling these expenses is crucial for a company's financial health and profitability.

In everyday use, hiyou can refer to the cost of living, education expenses, travel expenses, and other personal expenditures. Understanding and managing these costs are essential for effective financial planning and budgeting.

奨励金 (shoreikin) is a Japanese term that translates to "incentive payment" or "bonus" in English. It refers to a financial reward given to encourage or promote certain activities or behaviors. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including business, education, and government programs.

In a business setting, shoreikin can be given to employees as a bonus for meeting performance targets, achieving specific goals, or contributing to the company's success. It serves as a motivation for employees to work harder and achieve better results.

In education, shoreikin may be awarded to students for academic excellence, outstanding achievements, or participation in specific programs or competitions. It aims to encourage students to strive for higher performance and engagement.

In government and public programs, shoreikin might be offered to promote activities that are beneficial to society, such as environmental conservation, community service, or innovation. It is used to incentivize participation and support in initiatives that have positive social impacts.

外税 (gaizei) is a Japanese term that translates to "excluding tax" or "tax-excluded price" in English. It refers to the pricing method where the displayed or quoted price of a product or service does not include the applicable taxes, such as consumption tax (VAT).

When a price is listed as gaizei, the final amount the customer needs to pay will be higher than the displayed price, as the tax is added separately at the point of sale. This is in contrast to 内税 (uchizei), where the price includes all applicable taxes, and the amount displayed is the total amount the customer will pay.

Using gaizei pricing is common in some retail and service industries, and it is important for consumers to be aware that the final cost will include additional taxes not reflected in the initial price tag.

解釈 (kaishaku) is a Japanese term that translates to "interpretation" or "explanation" in English. It refers to the process of understanding or explaining the meaning of something, such as a text, statement, law, or concept.

In legal contexts, kaishaku involves interpreting statutes, regulations, and legal documents to understand their application and implications. Different interpretations can lead to varying conclusions about how laws should be applied in specific situations.

In everyday use, kaishaku can refer to how someone understands or explains a particular situation, statement, or piece of information. It highlights the subjective nature of understanding, where different people may have different perspectives or explanations for the same thing.

被 (hi) is a Japanese kanji that means "to be subjected to," "to receive," or "to suffer." It is often used as a prefix in compound words to indicate that the subject is passively receiving an action or being affected by something. This kanji is used in various contexts to denote the passive voice or the state of being impacted by an external force or action. For example, "被害" (higai) means "damage" or "suffering," indicating harm or injury received. Another example is "被告" (hikoku), which means "defendant," referring to a person who is being accused or charged in a legal case. The use of "被" emphasizes the passive nature of the subject in relation to the action or effect described.

互選 (gosen) is a Japanese term that translates to "mutual election" or "mutual selection" in English. It refers to a process where members of a group or organization select each other for specific roles or positions. This method is often used in contexts such as committees, councils, or other groups where members have a say in choosing their leadership or representatives. In mutual election, the selection process is typically characterized by members of the group voting for each other and a collaborative decision-making process. It emphasizes collective agreement and mutual consent, ensuring that the chosen individuals have the confidence and support of their peers, promoting a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the group.