How to say "funds" in Japanese

• 資金しきんJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers money raised or set aside for a particular purpose, such as operating or project funds. It is the usual neutral word when you mean funds earmarked for something rather than capital invested in a business.
  その計画けいかくには資金しきんが不足ふそくしていた。↗

  Money for the plan was lacking.
• 資本しほんJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounMeans capital: the money backing a business or enterprise from an investment standpoint. It overlaps with 資金 but frames the money as capital rather than as funds allotted for a specific use.
  彼かれらには次つぎの工場こうじょうを建設けんせつするだけの資本しほんがある。↗

  They have enough capital to build a second factory.
• 元手もとでCommon
  nounRefers to capital or seed money, the original outlay used to start a business or venture. It is a more colloquial word than 資本, fitting when you speak of the money someone put up to begin with.
• 軍資金ぐんしきんCommon
  nounFunds for an activity or for a campaign, historically money for military operations. It carries a scheme-like flavor and is not the neutral everyday word for funds; reach for 資金 in ordinary contexts.

Use 資金 for money earmarked for a purpose, 資本 for capital backing a business, 元手 for the seed money to start one, and 軍資金 for funds for an activity or campaign.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 資金しきんfunds
• 資本しほんfunds
• 元手もとでcapital
• 資しfunds
• 金子きんすmoney
• 軍資金ぐんしきんfunds (for activities)