On the books Meaning in English

expression

US

AHN thuh BOOKS

UK

ON thuh BOOKS

Definition

If something is 'on the books,' it is officially recorded or recognized by an organization, such as a government or company. It can refer to legal employment, official members, or registered items.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is semi-formal, often used in legal, business, or employment contexts. It contrasts with 'off the books' (unofficial, not recorded). Common with jobs ('on the books' = legally employed), company accounts, or club memberships.

• Spanish: registrado oficialmente - en regla
• Portuguese (BR): oficialmente registrado - em conformidade
• Portuguese (PT): oficialmente registado - em conformidade
• Chinese (Simplified): 正式登记 - 在册
• Chinese (Traditional): 正式登記 - 在冊
• Hindi: दस्तावेज़ पर दर्ज - आधिकारिक तौर पर रिकॉर्ड किया गया
• Arabic: مسجّل رسميًا - على السجلات
• Bengali: নথিভুক্ত - সরকারি খাতায়
• Russian: официально зарегистрирован - на учёте
• Japanese: 正式に記録されている
• Vietnamese: được ghi nhận chính thức - có trong sổ sách
• Korean: 공식적으로 등록된 - 명부에 올라간
• Turkish: resmi kayıtlarda - kayıtlara geçmiş
• Urdu: سرکاری طور پر درج - ریکارڈ میں شامل
• Indonesian: tercatat secara resmi - terdaftar

Example Sentences

All employees must be on the books to get health benefits.

basic

We have fifty students on the books this semester.

basic

Is this sale on the books yet?

basic

I work on the books now, so I pay taxes like everyone else.

natural

They keep some workers off the books, but most are on the books.

natural

The business isn’t on the books yet, but we’re working on it.

natural