Meaning and Usage
"基金" (ききん) refers to a sum of money set aside for a specific purpose, often for charitable, educational, or organizational use. It is a formal term commonly used in business, nonprofit, and governmental contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "基金" in contexts involving donations, financial support, or the establishment of funds for causes such as disaster relief, scholarships, or research.
Collocations and Patterns
- 基金を設立する: to establish a fund, used when creating a new financial resource.
- 基金に寄付する: to donate to a fund, common in charity or support contexts.
- 基金の運用: fund management, referring to how the money is invested or used.
Register and Nuance
"基金" is a formal noun and is rarely used in casual conversation. It implies an organized and often legally recognized financial resource. Learners should avoid confusing it with more general words for money or savings.
Common Mistake
Do not confuse "基金" with "資金" (しきん), which means funds or capital but is broader and used more generally in business or personal finance. "基金" specifically implies a dedicated fund for a particular purpose.