Translation guide
The English word "business" covers many distinct concepts, from commerce and companies to personal affairs and idiomatic expressions. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
The activity of buying and selling goods or services; economic activity.
The most direct loanword for modern business, commerce, or business activities. Common in professional contexts.
彼はビジネスで成功した。
He succeeded in business.
国際ビジネスに興味があります。
I'm interested in international business.
Refers to trade, commerce, or a business as a means of livelihood. Slightly more traditional than ビジネス.
Formal term for commerce or trade as an economic sector. Often used in compound words like 商業地域 (commercial district).
An organization that sells goods or services; a business entity.
The standard word for a company or firm. Use this for most references to a business organization.
A particular situation, event, or set of circumstances; often personal or private.
Refers to an errand, task, or something one has to do. Commonly used for personal business.
Something that is one's duty or concern; what one is supposed to do.
Literally 'one's own work', used to indicate that something is one's business or responsibility.
それは自分の仕事だ。
That's my business.
Telling someone not to interfere; that something is private.
Start focusing on the main task or serious discussion.
Literally 'enter the main topic', used to transition to the main point of a discussion.
そろそろ本題に入りましょう。
Let's get down to business.
English uses 'business' in many idiomatic ways that do not map directly to Japanese words like ビジネス or 商売. For example, 'none of your business' is not あなたのビジネスではない; use 大きなお世話 or 知ったことではない instead.
会社 is the everyday word for a company. 企業 is more formal and often refers to an enterprise or corporation, especially in economic or business contexts. Use 会社 for most situations.
彼は会社を辞めた。
He quit the company.
大企業に勤めている。
I work for a large corporation.
今月は商売が暇だ。
Business is slow this month.
大きなお世話だ。
It's none of your business.
本題に入りましょう。
Let's get down to business.
商売がうまくいっている。
Business is going well.
この地域は商業が盛んだ。
Commerce thrives in this area.
彼は大きな会社を経営している。
He runs a large business.
会社に行きます。
I'm going to the office.
Refers to an enterprise or corporation, often with a nuance of a larger or more formal business entity.
中小企業を支援する。
Support small and medium-sized businesses.
A business establishment or office, often used in statistics or formal contexts.
この地域には多くの事業所がある。
There are many business establishments in this area.
ちょっと用事があります。
I have some business to attend to.
今日は用事で早退します。
I'm leaving early today on business.
A matter, case, or affair. Often used in formal or business contexts to refer to a specific issue.
その件については後で話しましょう。
Let's discuss that matter later.
A matter or affair in a general sense; somewhat formal.
個人的な事柄です。
It's a personal matter.
Indicates a role or duty. 'It's my business to...' can be expressed as '〜するのが私の役目だ'.
それを決めるのは私の役目ではない。
It's not my business to decide that.
A strong, somewhat blunt way to say something is not your concern.
Can sound rude; use only with close friends or in very informal situations.
あいつのことなんて知ったことじゃない。
I don't care about his business.
Similar to 大きなお世話, meaning 'unwanted help' or 'none of your business'.
余計なお世話だ。
It's none of your business.
Literally 'leave me alone', used to tell someone to mind their own business.
放っておいてくれ。
Mind your own business.
Literally 'get started on work', used when beginning a task or work.
さあ、仕事に取りかかろう。
Let's get down to business.