Translation guide
The English word 'community' covers a wide range of meanings, from a local neighborhood to a group sharing interests or identity. Japanese has several words that map to different aspects of 'community', and the best choice depends on the nuance.
Referring to the people and area where one lives, the local community.
Formal term for 'local community' or 'community' in a sociological sense. Often used in discussions about community development or social issues.
地域社会に貢献したい。
I want to contribute to the local community.
Refers to one's hometown or local area. Very common in casual and everyday speech. Can also mean 'local' as an adjective.
地元のコミュニティでボランティアをしています。
I volunteer in my local community.
地元の人たちと交流する。
Interact with the local people.
Loanword from English. Used for 'community' in many contexts, including local, online, or interest-based. Very common in modern Japanese.
この地域のコミュニティはとても活発です。
The community in this area is very active.
A community of people with a common interest, hobby, profession, or identity, not necessarily tied to a location.
The most direct and common translation for 'community' in the sense of a group sharing interests or identity. Used for online communities, fan communities, etc.
オンラインコミュニティに参加する。
Join an online community.
ゲームのコミュニティが大きくなった。
The game's community has grown.
A more formal or philosophical term for 'community', emphasizing shared values, goals, or identity. Often used for intentional communities or historical groups.
Slang term for a specific scene, fandom, or subculture community. Often used online to refer to a niche group.
Referring to the broader community or society as a whole, often in contexts of social responsibility or public life.
General word for 'society' or 'community' in a broad sense. Used in phrases like 'community service' or 'giving back to the community'.
社会に貢献する。
Contribute to the community/society.
社会の一員としての責任。
Responsibility as a member of the community.
Refers to 'the world' or 'society' in the sense of public opinion or the people around you. Often used when talking about what others think.
The feeling of belonging, togetherness, or shared spirit within a group.
Sense of solidarity or togetherness. Often used in contexts of mutual support.
地域の連帯感を強める。
Strengthen the sense of community in the area.
Literally 'community consciousness'. A more formal term for the awareness of being part of a community.
共同体意識が薄れている。
The sense of community is fading.
Casual, somewhat coined term meaning 'community feeling'. Used in marketing or casual talk about group atmosphere.
このイベントはコミュニティ感があっていいね。
This event has a nice sense of community, doesn't it?
Referring to a defined community such as the scientific community, business community, or international community.
Suffix meaning 'world' or 'community'. Attach to a field: 科学界 (scientific community), 経済界 (business community), 芸術界 (art world).
科学界ではよく知られている。
It is well known in the scientific community.
経済界のリーダーたち。
Leaders of the business community.
コミュニティ is a flexible loanword that covers many senses of 'community', especially interest-based or online groups. 社会 is broader, meaning 'society' as a whole. 地域社会 is specifically the local geographic community. Use コミュニティ when in doubt for non-geographic groups.
共同体 can sound overly formal or ideological. It's often associated with communes, utopian communities, or academic discussions. For everyday 'community', コミュニティ or 地元 are safer choices.
彼らは小さな共同体を作った。
They formed a small community.
その界隈では有名な人だ。
He's famous in that community/scene.
Worry about what the community/others think.
Specifically 'international community'. Used in news and diplomatic contexts.
国際社会の一員として。
As a member of the international community.