Translation and Meaning of: 賃金 - chingin

The Japanese word 賃金 (ちんぎん, chingin) is an essential term for those looking to understand economic and labor aspects in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or have an interest in the culture of the country, knowing its meaning, usage, and context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written, and in what situations it appears in everyday Japanese life.

In addition to explaining the basic meaning of 賃金, we will discuss its origin, how it is perceived in Japanese society, and some tips for memorizing it. If you have already used Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, you know that understanding words like this goes beyond simple translation – it involves context and real application. Shall we get started?

What does 賃金 (ちんぎん) mean?

賃金 (chingin) is a Japanese word that refers to the payment received for work, that is, "salary" or "remuneration". It is composed of two kanji: 賃 (chin), which means "rent" or "payment for service", and 金 (kin), which represents "money" or "gold". Together, these characters form a term that describes the financial compensation for work performed.

In Japan, 賃金 is an important concept both in labor discussions and personal financial planning. Unlike words like 給料 (きゅうりょう, kyūryō), which also means "salary," 賃金 has a more formal tone and is often used in legal or economic contexts. If you've read news about salary increases in Japan, you've probably come across this word.

Origin and use of 賃金 in the Japanese language

The combination of the kanjis 賃 and 金 is not random. The first, 賃, has Chinese origins and carries the idea of compensation for a service, while 金 reinforces the monetary aspect. This construction reflects the logic behind the term: a value paid in exchange for labor. Historically, the concept of fixed remuneration was consolidated in Japan during industrialization, when workers began to receive regular payments.

Today, 賃金 is a common word in employment contracts, economic reports, and discussions about salary policies. It also appears in expressions like 最低賃金 (さいていちんぎん, saitei chingin), which means "minimum wage." Its usage is more technical than colloquial – in everyday conversations, Japanese people tend to prefer terms like 給料 or サラリー (sararī, from the English "salary").

How to memorize 賃金 and use it correctly

An effective way to fix 賃金 in memory is to associate its kanjis with the meaning. Think of 賃 as "payment for a service" and 金 as "money." Together, they form the idea of "money received for work." Another tip is to practice with real sentences, like 賃金が上がった (chingin ga agatta), which means "the salary increased." Repeating in context helps to internalize the term.

It is worth noting that 賃金 is not used to talk about occasional earnings or tips – it specifically refers to fixed or regular remuneration. If you are writing a formal text or discussing labor issues, this is the correct word. For informal situations, such as asking a friend about their salary, 給料 sounds more natural.