In the black Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɫæk

IN thuh BLAK

UK

ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /blˈæk

IN thuh BLAK

Definition

To be financially profitable, meaning a person or company has more money than they owe; the business is making a profit, not a loss.

Usage & Nuances

This is a business/finance idiom; opposite is 'in the red' (losing money). Used to describe profits, balance sheets, or accounts. Not generally used outside financial contexts.

• Spanish: en números negros - en positivo (finanzas)
• Portuguese (BR): no azul (finanças) - com lucro
• Portuguese (PT): no azul (finanças) - com lucro
• Chinese (Simplified): 盈利 - 有盈余
• Chinese (Traditional): 盈利 - 有盈餘
• Hindi: मुनाफे में - लाभ में
• Arabic: في الربح - في الوضع المالي الجيد
• Bengali: মুনাফা - লাভের অবস্থা
• Russian: прибыль - работать в плюс
• Japanese: 黒字
• Vietnamese: có lãi - có lợi nhuận
• Korean: 흑자
• Turkish: kârda olmak - kara geçmek
• Urdu: منافع میں ہونا
• Indonesian: untung - laba

Example Sentences

After selling more products this year, the company is finally in the black.

basic

Small businesses need to be in the black to succeed.

basic

It took two years for our store to get in the black.

basic

Don’t worry, we’re in the black now, so there’s no need for budget cuts.

natural

Being in the black gives us room to invest in new projects.

natural

Thanks to last quarter’s sales, we ended up in the black for the first time.

natural