Japanese Business Glossary

明細 (meisai) means "detailed statement" or "itemized list" in Japanese. It refers to a document or record that breaks down the details of transactions, expenses, charges, or other financial activities.

For example, a "給与明細" (kyuyo meisai) is a payslip or salary statement that itemizes an employee's earnings, deductions, taxes, and net pay. Similarly, an "請求明細" (seikyu meisai) is an itemized invoice or billing statement that lists the specific charges for goods or services provided.

Meisai provides clarity and transparency by showing the specific components that make up the total amount, helping individuals and businesses track and verify financial transactions accurately.

資金 (shikin) refers to "funds" or "capital" in Japanese. It represents the money available for investment, business operations, or other financial activities. Shikin can come from various sources, including personal savings, loans, investments, or business revenues.

In a business context, shikin is crucial for starting a new venture, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, and covering operational expenses. It can also be used to refer to specific types of funding, such as working capital, venture capital, or investment capital.

担保する (tanpo suru) means "to secure" or "to guarantee" in Japanese. It refers to the act of providing collateral or security to ensure the fulfillment of an obligation, such as a loan or debt.

In financial contexts, tanpo suru involves offering assets like property, stocks, or other valuables as collateral to back a loan. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to seize the collateral to recover the owed amount. This practice reduces the lender's risk and makes it easier for borrowers to obtain financing.

立て替え (tatekae) means "advance payment" or "paying on behalf of someone else" in Japanese. It refers to the act of temporarily covering an expense for someone else with the expectation of being reimbursed later.

In a business context, tatekae often occurs when an employee pays for a company-related expense out of their own pocket, such as travel costs, meals, or supplies, and then submits a claim for reimbursement. This practice helps ensure that necessary expenses are covered even if the responsible party is not immediately available to make the payment.

外貨建て (gaika-date) refers to transactions, investments, or financial instruments that are denominated in foreign currency. This term is often used in contexts such as foreign currency-denominated bonds, loans, deposits, or investment funds.

For example, an "外貨建て預金" (gaika-date yokin) is a bank deposit account where the funds are held in a foreign currency like US dollars, euros, or other non-Japanese currencies. Similarly, "外貨建て債券" (gaika-date saiken) are bonds issued in a currency different from the issuer's domestic currency.

Investing or conducting transactions in gaika-date can offer advantages such as diversification and potential higher returns due to interest rate differences. However, it also involves currency risk, where fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the value of the investment or transaction.

勘案 (kanan) means "consideration" or "taking into account" in Japanese. It refers to the process of carefully thinking about and weighing various factors, circumstances, or information when making a decision or forming a judgment.

In a business or legal context, kanan might involve evaluating multiple aspects such as financial data, market conditions, legal requirements, and potential risks before reaching a conclusion. The term emphasizes thorough and thoughtful analysis to ensure that all relevant elements are considered.