Japanese Business Glossary

学生 (gakusei) is a Japanese term that translates to "student" in English. It refers to individuals who are enrolled in educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, or universities, and are actively engaged in studying and learning. The term encompasses students of all levels, from elementary school students to university students. The term is broadly used in educational contexts to describe anyone who is pursuing formal education.

掛かる (kakaru) is a Japanese verb that translates to "to take," "to require," "to cost," or "to hang" in English, depending on the context in which it is used.

In the context of time or effort, 掛かる means "to take" or "to require." For example, when saying "It takes time," you would use "時間が掛かる" (jikan ga kakaru).

When referring to cost, 掛かる means "to cost." For example, "It costs money" is "お金が掛かる" (okane ga kakaru).

In the context of something being suspended or hanging, 掛かる means "to hang." For example, "A picture is hanging on the wall" would be "絵が壁に掛かっている" (e ga kabe ni kakatte iru).

Therefore, 掛かる is a versatile verb used in various contexts to describe the necessity of time, effort, cost, or the state of being suspended or attached.

外貨建MMF (gaika-date MMF) refers to "foreign currency-denominated money market funds" in English. These are investment funds that invest in short-term, high-quality financial instruments denominated in foreign currencies. They are designed to provide liquidity, safety, and a modest return on investment.

The funds are denominated in foreign currencies, such as US dollars, euros, or other major currencies, allowing investors to potentially benefit from favorable exchange rate movements. They typically invest in short-term financial instruments like Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit, which have high liquidity and low risk. By investing in a diversified portfolio of short-term instruments, these funds aim to reduce risk while providing a safe investment option.

Investors earn interest based on the prevailing rates in the foreign currency markets, which can vary depending on economic conditions and central bank policies. 外貨建MMF can be an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with foreign currency exposure while maintaining relatively low risk and high liquidity. However, they also come with currency risk, as exchange rate fluctuations can impact the value of the investment.

金融機関 (kinyu kikan) is a Japanese term that translates to "financial institution" in English. It refers to an organization that provides financial services to its customers or members. These services include accepting deposits, making loans, managing investments, and offering financial advice. Financial institutions play a crucial role in the economy by facilitating the flow of money and credit, supporting businesses, and providing individuals with access to financial resources.

Examples of kinyu kikan include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, investment firms, and brokerage houses. These institutions are regulated by government agencies to ensure their stability and protect consumers. They contribute to economic growth by providing essential financial services and products, such as savings accounts, mortgages, insurance policies, and investment opportunities.

基本 (kihon) is a Japanese term that translates to "basis," "foundation," "fundamentals," or "basic" in English. It refers to the essential or foundational elements of something. In various contexts, kihon can imply the fundamental principles, underlying concepts, or basic techniques that form the core of a subject or activity.

In education, kihon might refer to the foundational knowledge or basic skills that students need to learn a subject effectively. In business, kihon could refer to the core principles or standard practices that guide operations and decision-making. In martial arts or sports, kihon often refers to the basic techniques or fundamental moves that practitioners must master.

卸売業 (oroshiuri-gyo) and 小売業 (kouri-gyo) are Japanese terms that refer to different types of businesses in the distribution and sale of goods.

卸売業 (oroshiuri-gyo) translates to "wholesale business" in English. Wholesalers buy goods in large quantities from manufacturers or producers and then sell them in smaller quantities to retailers or other businesses. The primary function of a wholesale business is to distribute products efficiently and often at a lower cost per unit due to the large volume of goods handled.

小売業 (kouri-gyo) translates to "retail business" in English. Retailers sell goods directly to consumers, typically in smaller quantities than wholesalers. Retail businesses operate through various channels such as physical stores, online shops, or catalogs, and they provide products to end-users for personal or household consumption.

In summary, 卸売業 (wholesale business) involves the bulk purchase and distribution of goods to other businesses, while 小売業 (retail business) involves selling goods directly to consumers.