Translation guide
A legally recognized organization that engages in commercial activities. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 企業 (kigyō), but the appropriate word depends on the type, size, and legal structure of the entity.
Referring to any commercial organization, from small businesses to large corporations.
The most common and general term for a business entity, covering companies, firms, and enterprises of any size. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
He started a new business entity.
Policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
Specifically refers to a company or corporation, often used for incorporated entities. More concrete than 企業 and commonly used in everyday conversation.
He works for a large company.
You need to go through procedures to establish a company.
A formal term for a business entity or operating unit, often used in legal, accounting, or administrative contexts. Less common in daily speech.
This business entity is registered as a non-profit organization.
Emphasizing the legal status of a business as a separate entity from its owners.
A legal person or juridical entity, including corporations, foundations, and associations. Used when the legal status is important.
The company operates as an independent legal entity.
Specifically a corporate juridical person, often used in legal documents to distinguish from other types of legal entities.
A corporate entity under the Companies Act.
Referring to a small-scale business, often run by an individual or family.
A sole proprietorship, an unincorporated business owned by one person. Common for freelancers and small shops.
He runs a translation business as a sole proprietorship.
Self-employment or a self-owned business, often used for small independent operations like shops or trades.
When the type of business is specified, compound terms are often used.
Suffix meaning 'business operator' or 'trader' in a specific field. For example, 製造業者 (manufacturer), 小売業者 (retailer).
This product is supplied by multiple manufacturing entities.
Suffix for 'enterprise' in a specific sector, e.g., IT企業 (IT company), ベンチャー企業 (startup).
He runs an IT business entity.
企業 (kigyō) is a broader term encompassing any business undertaking, while 会社 (kaisha) specifically refers to an incorporated company. In casual conversation, 会社 is more common for 'company', but 企業 is used in economic or formal contexts.
The English word 'entity' is often translated as 実体 (jittai) or 存在 (sonzai), but these are not used for business entities. Stick to the terms above depending on the legal and operational context.
NPO法人を設立する。
Establish a non-profit corporation.
Starting your own business is tough.