Translation guide
The English word "company" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meaning is a business organization, typically translated as 会社 (かいしゃ). It can also refer to companionship, guests, or military units. This guide breaks down the main uses and their natural Japanese equivalents.
A commercial enterprise, corporation, or firm.
The standard, all-purpose word for a company or corporation. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼は大きな会社で働いています。
He works for a large company.
新しい会社を設立しました。
I established a new company.
Refers to an enterprise or business, often with a nuance of a larger or more formal corporate entity. Common in news and business contexts.
中小企業を支援する政策が発表された。
A policy to support small and medium-sized enterprises was announced.
Specifically a trading company or general trading firm. Not a general term for any company.
彼は大手商社に勤めている。
He works for a major trading company.
The state of being with someone; having someone to spend time with.
A natural way to express the concept of companionship. Literally "being together."
彼は一人でいるより、誰かと一緒にいることが好きだ。
He prefers having company to being alone.
Can mean socializing, companionship, or association. Often used in the context of keeping someone company.
今夜は付き合ってくれない？
Won't you keep me company tonight?
A literary or formal term for sharing someone's company, especially at a meal or event.
People who are visiting or staying with you.
The most common word for guests or visitors. Can be used for both invited and uninvited company.
今夜は客が来るんです。
We're having company tonight.
突然の客で驚いた。
I was surprised by the unexpected company.
A slightly more formal term for a visitor or caller. Often used in written notices or announcements.
A body of soldiers, especially a subdivision of a battalion.
The standard military term for a company-sized unit, typically consisting of 100–200 soldiers.
彼は歩兵中隊を指揮した。
He commanded an infantry company.
A group of actors, dancers, or performers who work together.
Specifically a theatrical company or troupe. Not used for business companies.
彼女は有名な劇団に所属している。
She belongs to a famous theater company.
A troupe or company of performers, often used for traditional Japanese theater like kabuki.
While 会社 is the most common translation for "company," it only refers to a business organization. Using it for companionship, guests, or military units would be incorrect. Always consider the intended meaning before translating.
会社 is the everyday word for any company, from small shops to large corporations. 企業 is more formal and often used in economic or business contexts, emphasizing the enterprise as an entity. In casual conversation, 会社 is almost always preferred.
夕食の相伴にあずかった。
I had the pleasure of his company at dinner.
本日は来客の予定があります。
We are expecting company today.
A kabuki company went on a provincial tour.