Translation guide
A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice in a particular area. In Japanese, the English loanword コンサルタント is common, but native terms like 顧問 (advisor) and 相談役 (counselor) are also used depending on the context. This guide covers how to express the idea of a consultant in various business and professional settings.
To refer to a person who gives expert advice in a professional context, such as business, management, or IT.
The most direct and widely understood term for a consultant in modern Japanese. Used in business, IT, management, and other fields. Often abbreviated to コンサル in casual speech.
He works as an IT consultant.
Why don't we consult a management consultant?
Refers to an advisor or consultant, often with a formal or ongoing relationship with a company. Can be a part-time or honorary position. Common in legal, financial, or corporate settings.
He is the company's legal consultant.
Literally 'counselor' or 'advisor'. Often a senior figure in a company who provides guidance but may not have executive power. More common in traditional Japanese corporate structures.
After retiring as chairman, he became a senior advisor.
To describe a consultant brought in from outside the organization for a specific project or expertise.
To refer to a consultant-like role within a company, often held by a senior employee or former executive.
An internal consultant, someone who provides advisory services within the same organization.
She supports various departments as an internal consultant.
A corporate title for a senior advisor or counselor, often with a strategic role. Less common than 顧問 and typically found in larger, traditional companies.
To specify a consultant in a non-business field, such as healthcare or education.
コンサルタント is a general term for a professional consultant, often from outside the company. 顧問 is an advisor, usually with a formal, ongoing relationship, and can be internal or external. 相談役 is a senior advisory role, often honorary, within a traditional Japanese company. Use コンサルタント for most modern business contexts.
He is a management consultant.
He is our company's legal advisor.
He attended the meeting as a senior advisor.
In casual conversation, simply saying コンサルタント might sound overly formal or vague. Instead, specify the field or use a more natural phrase like 〜の専門家 (expert in ~) if you mean someone who gives advice informally.
He's a marketing expert (consultant).
We brought in a consultant to improve our operations.
彼は取締役を退き、参与として残った。
He stepped down as director and remained as a senior advisor.
Often used for psychological, educational, or career consultants. While it translates to 'counselor', it overlaps with 'consultant' in contexts like guidance or therapy.
I consulted a career counselor about my future path.