Translation guide
The English word 'businessman' can refer to a man engaged in business, often in a managerial or executive role. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ビジネスマン, but other terms like 実業家 or サラリーマン may be used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on the nuance they want to convey.
To refer to a man who works in business, especially in a corporate setting, without specifying his exact role or status.
The most direct and common translation. It is a loanword from English and widely understood. Suitable for most contexts, from casual to formal.
彼は有能なビジネスマンです。
He is a capable businessman.
多くのビジネスマンがこのエリアで働いています。
Many businessmen work in this area.
Refers to an entrepreneur or industrialist, someone who runs or owns a business. It carries a nuance of being a business owner or a person of significant standing, rather than just an employee.
彼は成功した実業家です。
He is a successful businessman (entrepreneur).
Literally 'salaryman', this refers specifically to a male white-collar office worker who is an employee of a company. It does not imply ownership or high executive status. Use only when the person is a typical company employee.
Not a direct equivalent of 'businessman' in the sense of an entrepreneur or executive. It can sound dated or stereotypical.
父は普通のサラリーマンです。
My father is an ordinary office worker.
To emphasize that the person is an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone who manages a company.
Means 'manager' or 'business owner'. It is a neutral term for someone who runs a business, regardless of gender, but can be used for a businessman in this sense.
彼は小さな会社の経営者です。
He is the owner of a small company.
Similar to 実業家, but can also imply someone who undertakes new ventures. It emphasizes the aspect of running a business enterprise.
To describe a man who is dressed in a suit or is in a business setting, often used in observational contexts.
Literally 'a man wearing a suit'. This is a descriptive phrase used when the appearance or context is more important than the profession.
駅でスーツを着た男性を見かけました。
I saw a businessman (a man in a suit) at the station.
ビジネスマン is a broad term for any male business professional. サラリーマン specifically refers to a salaried office worker, often with connotations of a white-collar employee in a large corporation. 実業家 implies a business owner or entrepreneur with a higher status. Choose based on the person's role and the nuance you want to convey.
彼は大手企業のビジネスマンです。
He is a businessman at a major corporation.
彼は典型的なサラリーマンで、毎日満員電車に乗っています。
He is a typical salaryman, riding the crowded train every day.
彼は若くして実業家として成功した。
He succeeded as a businessman (entrepreneur) at a young age.
He is known as an outstanding businessman.