採算

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 採算 is read as さいさん and is a noun for profitability or financial viability after comparing the income and costs of an activity.
• Basic usage: Viability appears in 採算が取れる, while reassessment appears in 採算を見直す.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Negative 採算が取れる
  • 採算が取れていない means revenue does not cover costs and the operation is not financially viable.
• Difference from 利益
  • 利益 is an actual profit or benefit; 採算 centers on whether the revenue-cost calculation makes an operation viable.