Meaning and Usage
"投資" (とうし) means "investment" and is commonly used in financial contexts. It refers to the act of putting money, time, or resources into something with the expectation of gaining profit or benefit.
Common Contexts
You will often see "投資" used when talking about stocks, real estate, business ventures, or even personal development. It is a formal noun and appears frequently in business and economic discussions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 投資をする: to make an investment
- 投資額: amount of investment
- 投資先: investment destination (e.g., company or asset)
- 投資リスク: investment risk
These collocations help specify the type or aspect of investment being discussed.
Register and Nuance
"投資" is a formal term and is appropriate in business, academic, and media contexts. It is not used casually in everyday conversation unless discussing financial matters.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "投資" with "出資" (しゅっし), which also means investment but often implies a more direct capital contribution or partnership. "投資" is broader and more about expecting returns, while "出資" can imply ownership stakes.