Translation and Meaning of: 家計 - kakei

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 家計 (かけい, kakei). It frequently appears in conversations about finances, household management, and even in economic news. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word in everyday Japanese life. Additionally, we will see how it is written in kanji and some tips for memorizing it efficiently.

The meaning of 家計 (kakei)

The word 家計 refers to the household budget or the finances of a family. It is composed of the kanjis 家 (house) and 計 (calculation, plan), forming the idea of "financial control of the home." Unlike terms such as お金 (okane, money) or 貯金 (chokin, savings), 家計 has a broader meaning, encompassing income, expenses, and family economic planning.

In Japan, where financial organization is taken seriously, 家計 is a common term in newspapers, magazines, and TV programs. You can find it in expressions like 家計簿 (kakeibo, household account book) or 家計調査 (kakei chousa, family budget survey). Its usage reflects the importance that Japanese society places on careful management of financial resources.

The origin and the kanji of 家計

The combination of the kanjis in 家計 is not random. 家, in addition to meaning "house," also represents the idea of family or home. 計 is related to calculations, measurements, and planning. Together, they convey the notion of managing a household's resources in an organized manner. This construction is typical of Japanese, which often combines ideograms to create more specific concepts.

It is worth noting that 家計 is a word of Japanese origin (和語, wago), not a loan from Chinese like many other terms. This reinforces its importance in the country's daily life, as native words tend to be used more in both informal and formal situations. If you have heard of the 家計簿 (kakeibo) method of financial organization, for example, you know how this term is rooted in Japanese culture.

How to use 家計 in everyday life

In Japan, it's common to hear phrases like 家計が苦しい (kakei ga kurushii), which means "the household finances are tight." Another example is 家計を助ける (kakei o tasukeru), used when someone contributes to the family budget, whether with extra work or cutting expenses. These expressions show how the word is present in everyday vocabulary.

For those studying Japanese, a good tip is to associate 家計 with real situations. Writing down sentences like 今月の家計は大丈夫？ (kongetsu no kakei wa daijoubu?, "Is this month's budget okay?") can help reinforce the term. Additionally, practicing reading economic news in Japanese is a great way to become familiar with the use of 家計 in more complex contexts.