Japanese Business Glossary

額 (gaku) is a Japanese term that generally translates to "amount" or "frame" in English, depending on the context.

When used to mean "amount," gaku refers to a quantity of money, a numerical value, or a sum. It is often used in financial contexts to specify the amount of money involved in transactions, budgets, salaries, or costs.

When used to mean "frame," gaku refers to the frame around a picture, photograph, or piece of artwork. It can also refer to the framed object itself, such as a framed painting or a photograph.

The specific meaning of gaku depends on the context in which it is used, highlighting either a monetary value or an object used to display and protect visual art or photographs.

焼酎 (shochu) is a traditional Japanese distilled alcoholic beverage. It is typically made from a variety of ingredients, including barley, sweet potatoes, rice, buckwheat, or even brown sugar. The alcohol content of shochu usually ranges from 25% to 45%, making it stronger than sake but generally weaker than whiskey or vodka.

There are two main types of shochu: honkaku shochu (single-distilled shochu) and korui shochu (multiple-distilled shochu). Honkaku shochu retains more of the original flavors and characteristics of the base ingredients, whereas korui shochu is more refined and often used in cocktails or mixed drinks.

Shochu can be enjoyed in various ways, such as straight, on the rocks, diluted with water, or mixed with other beverages. It is a popular drink in Japan and is often consumed with meals or as a social beverage.

表 (hyo or omote) is a Japanese term with multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.

When pronounced hyo, it typically means "table" or "chart." In this sense, it refers to a structured format for organizing and displaying data or information, often in rows and columns. Tables and charts are commonly used in documents, presentations, and various fields such as business, education, and science to present information clearly and concisely.

When pronounced omote, it usually means "surface" or "front." It refers to the visible or outward part of something, as opposed to the hidden or back part. This can apply to physical objects, such as the front side of a building, or more abstract concepts, such as the outward appearance or public image of a person or organization.

棄却 (kikyaku) is a Japanese term that translates to "dismissal" or "rejection" in English. It is often used in legal contexts to refer to the act of a court dismissing a case, motion, or appeal. When a case is kikyaku, it means that the court has decided not to consider the case further, often because it lacks merit, fails to meet legal standards, or does not present sufficient evidence.

Outside of legal contexts, kikyaku can also be used more generally to refer to the rejection or dismissal of an idea, proposal, or request. It implies a formal or definitive refusal to accept or proceed with something.

生活費 (seikatsuhi) is a Japanese term that translates to "living expenses" or "cost of living" in English. It refers to the money required to cover the basic necessities of daily life. These expenses typically include costs for housing, food, utilities, transportation, clothing, healthcare, education, and other essential goods and services.

Seikatsuhi can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, family size, and personal spending habits. Managing living expenses effectively is important for maintaining financial stability and ensuring that one can meet their basic needs. Understanding and budgeting for seikatsuhi is a key aspect of personal financial planning.

家内 (kanai) is a Japanese term that traditionally means "wife" in English. It is used to refer to one's spouse in a respectful and somewhat humble manner. The term literally translates to "inside the house," reflecting traditional Japanese cultural norms where the wife often managed household affairs.

In contemporary usage, while the term is still widely understood and used, some people may prefer more modern terms such as "妻" (tsuma) for "wife," as it does not carry the same traditional connotations. However, kanai remains a polite and commonly used way to refer to one's wife in Japan.