Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an affiliated company is expressed through several terms that differ in the nature of the relationship, ownership structure, and formality. The most common and neutral term is 関連会社 (kanren gaisha), but other words like 系列会社 (keiretsu gaisha) or 子会社 (kogaisha) are used when the affiliation is more specific, such as within a corporate group or as a subsidiary.
A company that is related through ownership, business ties, or partnership, without specifying the exact nature of the relationship.
The most common and neutral term for an affiliated company. It covers a wide range of relationships, from partial ownership to business alliances.
Our affiliated company announced a new product.
Similar to 関連会社 but slightly broader, often used in legal or accounting contexts to refer to any related company.
We need to check the financial status of the affiliated companies.
A company that belongs to the same business group or conglomerate, often with cross-shareholdings and long-term business relationships.
A company that is controlled by another company through majority ownership of shares.
The standard term for a subsidiary. Use this when the parent company owns more than 50% of the shares.
We have several subsidiaries overseas.
A company in which another company holds a significant but non-controlling stake (typically 20-50%).
An accounting term for an affiliate company accounted for under the equity method. Used mainly in financial reporting.
This company is our equity-method affiliate.
関連会社 (kanren gaisha) is a broad term for any affiliated company, while 子会社 (kogaisha) specifically means a subsidiary where the parent holds more than 50% of voting rights. In legal and accounting contexts, 関連会社 often implies a stake of 20-50%, but in everyday business, it is used more loosely.
If you are unsure about the exact ownership structure, 関連会社 is the safest and most widely understood term for an affiliated company.
A more general term for a company within the same corporate group. It is widely used in business contexts.
Revenue increased across all group companies.