儲ける

• Reading: もうける
• Romaji: mōkeru
• Kanji breakdown: 儲 (mō/cho) — to profit, prepare, lay in stock
• Pronunciation: /moː.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To profit; to earn; to make money. Focuses on gaining financial benefit from business or transactions.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Specifically implies making a profit beyond costs, not just earning a salary. Often used in business contexts. Can also mean 'to gain' something favourable unexpectedly, as in 儲けもの (a lucky find/bargain).

Examples

1. 今年は株で百万円も儲けた。 This year I made a million yen in the stock market.
2. 彼は若いうちからビジネスで儲ける方法を知っていた。 He knew how to make money through business from a young age.
3. 安く仕入れて高く売れば儲けられる。 If you buy cheap and sell high, you can turn a profit.

Usage Guide

Context: business, finance, investment

Tone: practical

Origin & History

The kanji 儲 combines 人 (person) and 諸 (various), suggesting gathering various gains. Originally related to stocking up or preparing provisions.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal