Translation guide
The English word 'affiliate' can be a noun (a person or organization officially attached to a larger body) or a verb (to officially attach or connect to a larger organization). This guide covers both uses, focusing on natural Japanese expressions for business, organizational, and online contexts.
Referring to a subsidiary, branch, or member organization that is officially connected to a larger parent group.
The most common and neutral term for an affiliated company. Used in business contexts to describe a company related through ownership or business ties.
当社の関連会社が新製品を発表した。
Our affiliate announced a new product.
Refers to a company within the same corporate group or keiretsu. Emphasizes the group affiliation rather than just a business relationship.
その銀行は系列会社を通じて海外に進出した。
The bank expanded overseas through its affiliates.
Specifically a subsidiary company, where the parent holds a controlling stake. More precise than 'affiliate' but often used when the relationship is clear.
この子会社は完全に親会社の支配下にある。
This affiliate is completely under the control of the parent company.
Refers to a business partner or alliance partner, not necessarily owned. Used when the affiliation is based on a partnership agreement.
我々の提携先はヨーロッパに拠点を持っている。
Our affiliate has a base in Europe.
Referring to an individual who is officially attached to an organization, such as a researcher, artist, or professional.
A general term for a person affiliated with an organization. Commonly used in academic or professional contexts.
彼は大学の所属者として研究を続けている。
He continues his research as an affiliate of the university.
Means 'member' and is used for people who belong to an organization, club, or association. Suitable when 'affiliate' implies membership.
彼女はその学会の会員です。
She is an affiliate of that academic society.
A broader term meaning 'person concerned' or 'stakeholder'. Can be used when the affiliation is less formal but still recognized.
Describing the action of making someone or something an official part of a larger group.
Means 'to partner with' or 'to form an alliance'. Commonly used for business affiliations based on agreements rather than ownership.
当社は来月、海外企業と提携する予定だ。
Our company plans to affiliate with an overseas firm next month.
Means 'to bring into a corporate group' or 'to make a subsidiary'. Used when a company is integrated into a keiretsu or group.
大手メーカーが中小企業を系列化した。
The major manufacturer affiliated small and medium enterprises.
Means 'to make someone belong to' or 'to attach to an organization'. Used for individuals becoming affiliates.
彼を研究チームに所属させた。
We affiliated him with the research team.
Means 'to join' or 'to become a member of' an organization. Suitable for affiliations like joining a federation or association.
その団体は国際連合に加盟した。
The organization affiliated with the United Nations.
Describing the state of being affiliated, often used in formal descriptions of organizational relationships.
The te-iru form of '提携する', indicating an ongoing state of partnership or alliance.
その会社は複数の海外企業と提携している。
The company is affiliated with several overseas firms.
Literally 'belongs to a corporate group'. Used to describe a company's group affiliation.
その銀行は大手金融グループの系列に属している。
The bank is affiliated with a major financial group.
Means 'is affiliated with' or 'belongs to' for individuals. Commonly used in profiles or CVs.
彼は現在、東京大学に所属している。
He is currently affiliated with the University of Tokyo.
Referring to the modern internet marketing practice where a person earns commission by promoting products.
The loanword directly borrowed from English. Universally understood in the context of online affiliate marketing.
彼女はアフィリエイトで月に10万円稼いでいる。
She earns 100,000 yen a month through affiliate marketing.
Specifically an affiliate link. Often shortened to 'アフィリリンク' in casual contexts.
ブログにアフィリエイトリンクを貼る。
I put affiliate links on my blog.
The formal Japanese term for performance-based advertising, which includes affiliate marketing. Used in business or legal documents.
当社は成果報酬型広告を導入した。
Our company introduced affiliate advertising.
関連会社 (affiliated company) is a broad term for any related company. 子会社 (subsidiary) specifically means a company controlled by a parent through majority ownership. 系列会社 (group company) implies membership in a keiretsu or corporate group. Use 関連会社 when the exact relationship is unclear or not important.
The loanword アフィリエイト is almost exclusively used for online affiliate marketing. Using it to describe a corporate subsidiary or a person's organizational affiliation will cause confusion. Stick to the Japanese terms listed above for those meanings.
事件の関係者が事情聴取を受けた。
Affiliates of the incident were questioned.