Translation guide
The English word 'adviser' refers to someone who gives advice, often in a professional or official capacity. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on the context: whether it's a formal role, a mentor, a consultant, or simply someone you turn to for guidance.
A person in a formal position whose job is to give advice, such as to a company, government, or organization.
The standard term for an official adviser, often a senior expert retained by a company or organization. Implies a formal, ongoing advisory role.
彼は会社の顧問弁護士です。
He is a legal adviser for the company.
新しい顧問を迎えました。
We have welcomed a new adviser.
A loanword from English, used in many professional contexts, especially in business, finance, and personal development. Slightly less formal than 顧問.
ファイナンシャルアドバイザーに相談しました。
I consulted a financial adviser.
A corporate title for a senior adviser, often a former executive who provides guidance. More common in traditional Japanese companies.
彼は会長の相談役を務めています。
He serves as an adviser to the chairman.
A faculty member who guides a student's academic progress, research, or thesis.
The standard term for an academic adviser or supervisor in a university setting. Refers to the professor responsible for guiding a student's studies or research.
指導教員に論文の相談をしました。
I consulted my adviser about my thesis.
新しい指導教員を探しています。
I am looking for a new academic adviser.
Refers to a homeroom teacher or class adviser in primary and secondary schools. Not used for university research supervisors.
A trusted person, not necessarily in an official role, who gives advice on personal matters.
There is no single direct equivalent for a personal adviser. Instead, use 相談相手 (そうだんあいて, 'someone to consult with') or describe the person's role, such as 人生の先輩 (じんせいのせんぱい, 'life mentor').
彼は私の良き相談相手です。
He is a good adviser to me.
人生の先輩としてアドバイスをくれます。
As a life adviser, he gives me advice.
A somewhat formal term for a person who gives advice or counsel. Can be used in personal contexts but sounds a bit stiff.
彼女は私の助言者です。
She is my adviser.
An adviser to a head of state, monarch, or high-ranking official.
Also used for high-level political or royal advisers. Can be combined with the domain, e.g., 外交顧問 (がいこうこもん, 'diplomatic adviser').
大統領の外交顧問が会見しました。
The president's foreign policy adviser held a press conference.
Refers to a close aide or confidant, often with an advisory role. Implies a personal, trusted relationship with the leader.
顧問 (こもん) is a formal, often long-term advisory position, typically held by a senior expert. アドバイザー is a more flexible loanword used in various professional and casual contexts. In business, 顧問 implies a higher status and deeper involvement, while アドバイザー can be a consultant for a specific project.
彼は会社の顧問です。
He is a company adviser (senior, ongoing role).
ITアドバイザーを雇いました。
We hired an IT adviser (for a specific purpose).
The English word 'adviser' covers many roles that have distinct terms in Japanese. Using a generic translation like アドバイスする人 (あどばいすするひと) sounds unnatural. Always consider the specific context and choose the appropriate term.
指導教員に相談してください。
Please consult your academic adviser.
Also used in academic contexts, especially in more international or English-taught programs. Can refer to an academic adviser or a student mentor.
留学中はアドバイザーがサポートしてくれます。
During study abroad, an adviser will support you.
担任の先生に進路の相談をしました。
I talked to my homeroom adviser about my career path.
彼は王の側近として仕えました。
He served as a close adviser to the king.