Translation and Meaning of: 基金 - kikin

The Japanese word 基金 [ききん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries specific meanings and uses that are worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and even help in formal or professional contexts. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, origin, and practical applications of this word, as well as provide tips for memorizing it easily.

基金 is a term frequently found in financial, legal, and even philanthropic contexts in Japan. Its use reflects important aspects of Japanese culture and social organization, making it a relevant word for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the language. Here, you will discover how it is used in everyday life, its structure in kanji, and even some curiosities that can facilitate your learning.

Meaning and use of 基金

Fund [ききん] is translated into English as "fund" or "financial fund," depending on the context. It refers to an amount of money set aside for a specific purpose, such as investments, donations, or social projects. In Japan, this word is commonly found in non-profit organizations, universities, and even in government campaigns.

A practical example is the use of 基金 in foundations that support scientific research or cultural initiatives. Unlike words such as 貯金 (savings) or 投資 (investment), 基金 has a more institutional and collective character. Its use in official documents and economic news reinforces its importance in the technical vocabulary of Japanese.

Origin and structure of kanji

The word 基金 is composed of two kanji: 基 (き), which means "base" or "foundation," and 金 (きん), which refers to "money" or "gold." Together, they form the idea of a financial resource that serves as a foundation for something greater. This combination is not random—it reflects the Japanese vision that funds should have a clear and structuring purpose.

It is worth noting that 金 appears in several other terms related to finance, such as 税金 (taxes) and 奨学金 (scholarship). Recognizing these patterns helps to memorize not only 基金 but also other words in the same semantic field. If you have already studied kanji, you will notice that the logic behind this composition is quite intuitive.

Tips for memorizing and using 基金

An effective way to reinforce 基金 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of expressions like 教育基金 (educational fund) or 災害基金 (disaster fund), which illustrate its real use. This type of mental connection facilitates the absorption of the term, especially if you are interested in areas like economics or public policy.

Another tip is to practice reading news or articles that mention 基金, as the context helps to solidify the learning. Platforms like Suki Nihongo offer authentic examples and detailed explanations, making it easier to understand nuances that traditional dictionaries do not cover. Over time, you will naturally incorporate this word into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 投資信託 (Tōshi Shintaku) - Collective investment fund, where investors put their money into a fund managed by professionals.
• ファンド (Fando) - Generic term that refers to a fund, which can include different types such as investment funds or hedge funds.
• 投信 (Tōshin) - The abbreviation of 投資信託 refers specifically to investment funds, commonly used in financial contexts in Japan.

基金

Romaji: kikin
Kana: ききん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: bottom; foundation

Meaning in English: fund;foundation

Definition: Resources applied to fixed assets for operation.

Example Sentences - (基金) kikin

See below some example sentences:

私は毎月基金にお金を入れています。

Watashi wa maitsuki kikin ni okane wo ireteimasu

I put money on the investment fund every month.

I have money in the background every month.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 毎月 (maitsuki) - adverb that means "every month"
• 基金 (kikin) - noun that means "bottom" or "investment"
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the target of the action
• お金 (okane) - noun meaning "money"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 入れています (ireteimasu) - compound verb meaning "to put" or "to deposit" (in the present continuous)