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.
彼は大きな会社で働いています。
He works for a large corporation.
会社に行きます。
I'm going to the office.
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.
A legal term for a juridical person, including corporations, foundations, and associations. Used in official documents and legal contexts.
この団体は法人格を持っています。
This organization has corporate status.
非営利法人
non-profit corporation
To specify a corporation that is a joint-stock company (similar to Inc. or Ltd.).
The standard term for a joint-stock company, equivalent to 'Inc.' or 'Ltd.' in English. Often abbreviated as (株) in company names.
トヨタ自動車株式会社
Toyota Motor Corporation
株式会社を設立する
to establish a joint-stock company
To emphasize a large, often multinational corporation.
Literally 'large enterprise', used for big corporations or conglomerates.
彼は大企業のCEOです。
He is the CEO of a large 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.
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.'
policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises
Multinational corporation. Used in business and economic contexts.
多国籍企業の影響力
the influence of multinational corporations