Translation guide
The English word 'customer' refers to a person who buys goods or services. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is お客様 (おきゃくさま) or 客 (きゃく), but the appropriate word depends heavily on the context, relationship, and level of politeness required.
To refer to a customer in a polite, respectful manner, typically used by service staff, businesses, or in formal contexts.
The standard polite term for 'customer' or 'guest'. Used ubiquitously in shops, restaurants, hotels, and any customer-facing business. It shows respect and is the safest choice when addressing or referring to customers.
Are you looking for something, sir/ma'am?
A polite but slightly less formal version of お客様. Commonly used in casual service settings (e.g., small shops, informal restaurants) or when talking about customers in a friendly way.
A formal, business-oriented term for 'customer' or 'client', often used in corporate contexts, marketing, or when discussing customer relationships (e.g., 顧客満足 - customer satisfaction). Not used to address a customer directly.
To refer to a customer in a neutral or matter-of-fact way, without the politeness of お客様. Often used in objective descriptions or when the speaker is not in a service role.
The basic word for 'customer' or 'guest'. It is neutral but can sound blunt or impersonal if used to address someone directly. Commonly used in compound words or when talking about customers in general.
To refer to a customer who frequently patronizes a business, a regular.
Refers to a regular customer or patron. Often used in the context of bars, restaurants, or small shops. It implies a familiar relationship.
To refer to a customer in a business-to-business context, or for professional services like law, consulting, or design.
To refer to a person who is shopping or buying something, focusing on the act of purchasing.
To refer to a customer of transportation services, such as trains, buses, taxis, or airlines.
To refer to customers of entertainment or events, such as theater, concerts, or sports.
To refer to a customer staying at accommodation.
In Japanese, directly addressing someone as 'customer' (e.g., 'Hey, customer!') is unnatural. Instead, use お客様 or simply omit the subject. In service situations, staff often use set phrases like いらっしゃいませ (welcome) without explicitly saying 'customer'.
Welcome. How many in your party? (No direct 'customer' needed)
お客様 is the polite, respectful term used by staff to address or refer to customers. 客 is a neutral, general term but can sound blunt if used to address someone. 顧客 is a formal business term used in corporate contexts, not for direct address. Choose based on the level of politeness and the context.
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今日はお客さんが少ないね。
There aren't many customers today, huh?
顧客満足度を向上させる必要がある。
We need to improve customer satisfaction.
That shop is always full of customers.
Most of the customers are tourists.
He's a regular at this shop.
A slightly more explicit way to say 'regular customer', combining 常連 and 客.
There is a special discount for regular customers.
Literally 'fixed customer', used in business contexts to refer to a loyal or repeat customer base.
Let's think of a strategy to increase our loyal customers.
Loanword from English, used for 'client' in professional services, IT, advertising, etc. It implies an ongoing business relationship.
We acquired a new client.
Refers to a business partner or client with whom one has transactions. More formal and emphasizes the business relationship.
The meeting with the client ran long.
Specifically refers to a shopper, someone who is in the act of buying things. Commonly used in retail contexts.
On weekends it's crowded with shoppers.
A formal term for 'purchaser' or 'buyer', often used in economics or marketing.
Analyze the behavior of purchasers.
The standard term for 'passenger' on any form of transportation.
Please ensure the safety of the passengers.
Refers to the audience or spectators at a performance, show, or sporting event.
The audience gave a standing ovation.
Specifically refers to a guest staying overnight at a hotel, ryokan, or other lodging.
We provide breakfast for our guests.
Many Japanese words for specific types of customers are formed by adding 客 (きゃく) to a descriptive word, e.g., 観客 (audience), 乗客 (passenger), 買い物客 (shopper). Learning these compounds can help you be more precise.