Translation guide
The English word 'brainstorming' refers to a group activity where people generate many ideas freely. In Japanese, it is often borrowed directly as ブレインストーミング or ブレスト, but natural expressions also exist depending on context.
To refer to the activity of generating ideas in a group, often in a business or creative setting.
Direct loanword from English, widely understood in business and academic contexts.
明日の会議でブレインストーミングをしましょう。
Let's do a brainstorming session at tomorrow's meeting.
Abbreviation of ブレインストーミング, common in casual business conversation.
ちょっとブレストしようか。
Shall we do a quick brainstorm?
Literally 'idea extraction', a natural Japanese phrase for generating ideas, often used in meetings.
まずはアイデア出しから始めましょう。
Let's start with brainstorming ideas.
Means 'to share opinions with each other', a more descriptive way to express brainstorming.
自由に意見を出し合ってください。
Please brainstorm freely.
To describe the action of generating ideas, either alone or in a group.
The most natural way to say 'to brainstorm ideas' in Japanese.
新しい企画のアイデアを出してください。
Please brainstorm ideas for the new project.
Verb form of the abbreviation, used casually.
みんなでブレストしよう。
Let's brainstorm together.
Similar to 意見を出し合う, emphasizes sharing thoughts.
問題解決のために考えを出し合った。
We brainstormed to solve the problem.
ブレインストーミング and ブレスト are common in business, but in more formal or traditional settings, アイデア出し or 意見を出し合う may be preferred. When in doubt, アイデアを出す is safe and natural.