Translation guide
The English word "administrative" refers to tasks, work, or roles related to managing an organization, office, or system. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent. The best choice depends on whether you mean general office work, government administration, academic administration, or the management of a system.
Describing routine tasks like paperwork, scheduling, data entry, or office support.
The most common and neutral word for office work, clerical tasks, or administrative duties in a company or organization.
彼は事務の仕事をしています。
He does administrative work.
事務処理に時間がかかる。
Administrative processing takes time.
Refers to general affairs or miscellaneous administrative tasks, often used in job titles like 庶務課 (general affairs section). Slightly more formal than 事務.
庶務の担当者を探しています。
We are looking for someone to handle administrative (general affairs) tasks.
An adjective meaning 'administrative' or 'clerical', often used to describe tasks or a businesslike manner.
事務的な手続きが必要です。
Administrative procedures are necessary.
Referring to the management of public affairs, government agencies, or bureaucratic processes.
The standard term for public administration, government administration, or executive functions. Used in contexts like 行政機関 (administrative agency) or 行政手続き (administrative procedures).
行政の効率化が求められている。
Efficiency in public administration is being demanded.
この地域の行政サービスは充実している。
The administrative services in this region are substantial.
Refers to government offices or the bureaucracy itself. Often used in compounds like 官庁街 (government office district).
An adjective meaning 'administrative' in a governmental context, e.g., 行政上の問題 (administrative problem).
行政上の決定に従わなければならない。
We must comply with the administrative decision.
Describing the act of managing an organization, system, or resources, often at a higher level than clerical work.
Broad term for management, administration, or control. Can refer to managing people, systems, data, or facilities. Often used in compounds like 管理者 (administrator) or 管理業務 (administrative work).
システムの管理を任されています。
I am in charge of system administration.
管理職としての経験が必要だ。
Experience in an administrative (managerial) position is required.
Focuses on the operation or running of an organization, event, or system. Implies ongoing administrative effort.
Primarily means business management or administration of a company. Can be used for administrative aspects of running a business.
Referring to administrative roles or offices within a university, school, or large institution.
Specifically means an administrative office or secretariat within an organization, especially in academic or institutional settings.
大学の事務局に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the university's administrative office.
Refers to academic affairs or educational administration within a school. Often used in 教務課 (academic affairs section).
Similar to 教務, but broader, covering general university administration including student affairs.
Distinguishing administrative tasks or roles from hands-on, technical, or frontline work.
Used to describe administrative job types or career tracks, often in contrast to 技術系 (technical). Common in job classifications.
事務系の職種を希望しています。
I am hoping for an administrative position.
Refers to the administrative or management division of a company, as opposed to production or sales.
彼は管理部門に異動になった。
He was transferred to the administrative division.
Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all uses of "administrative". Using 行政 for office work or 事務 for government will sound unnatural. Always consider the context.
事務 is for clerical/office tasks. 管理 is for management/control of systems or people. 行政 is strictly for public/government administration. Choose based on the domain.
官庁の手続きは複雑だ。
Government administrative procedures are complicated.
学校の運営に携わっています。
I am involved in the administration (operation) of the school.
経営陣が新しい方針を決めた。
The administrative (management) team decided on a new policy.
Academic administrative work covers a wide range.
Please complete the procedure at the administrative (student affairs) department.