Translation guide
The English word 'agency' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a business or organization that provides a service, a government body, the capacity to act independently, and the means or instrumentality of an action.
Referring to a company or office that arranges services, such as travel, advertising, employment, etc.
General term for an agency that acts as an agent or representative for another company, such as a travel agency or insurance agency.
旅行代理店で航空券を予約した。
I booked a flight ticket at a travel agency.
Often used in compound loanwords for specific types of agencies, e.g., 旅行エージェンシー (travel agency), 広告エージェンシー (advertising agency).
彼女は広告エージェンシーで働いている。
She works at an advertising agency.
Refers to an intermediary or broker, often for employment or business deals. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
人材斡旋業者に登録した。
I registered with a staffing agency.
Referring to an official organization or department within a government, such as a space agency or intelligence agency.
General term for an organization, institution, or agency, especially in official contexts. Used for government agencies, research institutes, etc.
宇宙航空研究開発機構は日本の宇宙機関だ。
JAXA is Japan's space agency.
Suffix for government agencies or offices, such as 気象庁 (Meteorological Agency) or 警察庁 (National Police Agency).
Another suffix for bureaus or agencies, e.g., 国税局 (National Tax Agency). Often used for local branches as well.
彼は国税局に勤めている。
He works for the National Tax Agency.
Referring to a person's ability to make their own decisions and take action, often used in philosophical or sociological contexts.
The quality of being an independent agent; autonomy, initiative. Commonly used in discussions about personal development or education.
学生の主体性を育てることが大切だ。
It's important to foster students' agency.
Literally 'self-determination ability', emphasizing the power to make one's own choices.
患者の自己決定力を尊重すべきだ。
We should respect the patient's agency.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the ability to act according to one's own will'. Useful when a single word doesn't fit.
彼は自分の意志で行動する力を持っている。
He has a strong sense of agency.
Referring to the means by which something is done or achieved, often in formal or legal contexts.
Intermediary, medium, or agency through which something is accomplished. Used in both concrete and abstract senses.
言語はコミュニケーションの媒介だ。
Language is an agency of communication.
Means, way, method. More general than 'agency' but can be used when emphasizing the instrumental aspect.
Pattern meaning 'through, via, by means of'. Often used to express the agency or medium of an action.
彼は友人を通じてその情報を得た。
He obtained the information through the agency of a friend.
While 旅行代理店 is correct, the loanword 旅行エージェンシー is also common. However, simply saying 旅行会社 (travel company) is often more natural in casual conversation.
旅行会社にパンフレットをもらいに行った。
I went to a travel agency to get a brochure.
機関 is a broad term for any organization or institution. 庁 is used for specific government agencies (often national level), while 局 can refer to bureaus, offices, or stations (including local branches). For example, 消防署 (fire station) is not an 'agency' in English, but 消防庁 (Fire and Disaster Management Agency) is.
The Meteorological Agency issued a typhoon warning.
He achieved his goal through various agencies.