Translation and Meaning of: 収支 - shuushi

If you have studied Japanese or have an interest in the language, you’ve probably come across the word 収支 (しゅうし). It frequently appears in financial, istrative contexts, and even in the daily life of those who need to handle budgets. But what exactly does this word mean? How is it used in practice? And what is its importance in Japanese culture? In this article, we will explore all of this and more, from the basic meaning to tips for memorizing its kanji.

Moreover, understanding 収支 goes beyond simply knowing its translation. This word reflects aspects of organization and precision that are valued in Japan, especially when it comes to resource management. Whether for Japanese students, the curious, or those who work in finance, knowing its correct usage can make all the difference. Shall we get started?

The meaning and use of 収支 in Japanese.

収支 is composed of two kanji: 収 (shuu), which means "revenue" or "collect," and 支 (shi), which represents "expense" or "cost." Together, they convey the idea of "financial balance," meaning the difference between what comes in and what goes out in of money. It is an essential word for those dealing with ing, household planning, or any situation that requires resource management.

In daily life, 収支 appears in business reports, economic news, and even in conversations about household budgets. For example, a Japanese person might say "今月の収支は厳しい" (kongo no shuushi wa kibishii) to indicate that the finances of the month are tight. Its use is straightforward and objective, with few informal variations, which reinforces its practical nature.

The origin and writing of the kanjis 収支

The kanjis that make up 収支 have interesting stories. The first, 収, comes from the verb 収める (osameru), which carries the notion of "to store" or "to retain." Meanwhile, 支 is linked to 支払う (shiharau), which means "to pay." This combination is not random: it reflects the fundamental duality of any balance, where income and expenses need to be balanced.

One tip for memorizing these kanjis is to observe their radicals. 収 has the radical 又 (mata), associated with repetitive actions like collecting, while 支 includes the radical 十 (juu), which relates to divisions or parts. Although they are characters with moderate strokes, their writing requires attention to avoid reversing the order of the elements, especially in the case of 支, which can be confused with other similar kanjis.

Curiosities and cultural significance of 収支

In Japan, where financial organization is taken seriously, 収支 is not just a technical term. It represents a cultural principle of balance and predictability. Japanese companies, for example, tend to analyze their 収支 meticulously, reflecting a mindset that values long-term economic sustainability.

Another interesting aspect is that, unlike more subjective words, 収支 rarely appears in poetic or metaphorical contexts. Its use remains linked to concrete situations, making it a safe word for students to avoid misunderstandings. For those who want to practice, trying to calculate personal monthly 収支 in Japanese can be a useful and immersive exercise.