Meaning and Usage
"稼ぐ" primarily means "to earn money" or "to make a living." It is commonly used when talking about income from work, whether full-time or part-time. Beyond money, it can also mean "to buy time" or "to gain" in a figurative sense, such as "時間を稼ぐ" (to buy time).
Common Collocations
- お金を稼ぐ: to earn money
- 生活費を稼ぐ: to earn living expenses
- 時間を稼ぐ: to buy time, to gain time
Register and Nuance
"稼ぐ" is a neutral verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is not overly formal but appropriate in business contexts when discussing earnings. It often implies active effort or labor.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "稼ぐ" with "働く" (to work). While "働く" focuses on the act of working, "稼ぐ" emphasizes the result—earning money or gaining something. Remember, "稼ぐ" is about the outcome of work, not just the work itself.