Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'corporation' is most commonly expressed as 会社 (kaisha), which broadly means 'company'. For legal or formal contexts, 法人 (hōjin) refers to a juridical person or corporate entity. Other terms like 企業 (kigyō) emphasize the enterprise aspect, while 株式会社 (kabushiki gaisha) specifies a joint-stock company. This guide helps learners choose the right term based on context and formality.
To refer to a company or business in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word for 'company' or 'corporation'. Used in both casual and formal settings.
He works for a large corporation.
Refers to an enterprise or business, often with a nuance of a commercial undertaking. Common in news and business contexts.
To refer to a corporation as a legal entity, distinct from its owners.
To specify a corporation that is a joint-stock company (similar to Inc. or Ltd.).
To emphasize a large, often multinational corporation.
会社 (kaisha) is the everyday word for 'company'. 企業 (kigyō) is more formal and often used in economic contexts, emphasizing the business enterprise. 法人 (hōjin) is a legal term for any juridical person, including non-profit organizations. Use 会社 for general conversation, 企業 for business news, and 法人 for legal or official matters.
I'm going to the office.
policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises
A legal term for a juridical person, including corporations, foundations, and associations. Used in official documents and legal contexts.
This organization has corporate status.
non-profit corporation
The standard term for a joint-stock company, equivalent to 'Inc.' or 'Ltd.' in English. Often abbreviated as (株) in company names.
Toyota Motor Corporation
to establish a joint-stock company
Literally 'large enterprise', used for big corporations or conglomerates.
He is the CEO of a large corporation.
Multinational corporation. Used in business and economic contexts.
the influence of multinational corporations
corporate social responsibility
corporate tax
When referring to a specific corporation by name, 株式会社 (kabushiki gaisha) can be placed before or after the company name, e.g., 株式会社ソニー or ソニー株式会社. In English, it's often translated as 'Corporation' or left as 'Co., Ltd.'