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.
お客様、何かお探しですか。
Are you looking for something, sir/ma'am?
お客様の声をお聞かせください。
Please let us hear your feedback.
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.
今日はお客さんが少ないね。
There aren't many customers today, huh?
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.
顧客満足度を向上させる必要がある。
We need to improve customer satisfaction.
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.
あの店はいつも客でいっぱいだ。
That shop is always full of customers.
客のほとんどは観光客だ。
Most of the customers are tourists.
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.
彼はこの店の常連だ。
He's a regular at this shop.
A slightly more explicit way to say 'regular customer', combining 常連 and 客.
Literally 'fixed customer', used in business contexts to refer to a loyal or repeat customer base.
To refer to a customer in a business-to-business context, or for professional services like law, consulting, or design.
Loanword from English, used for 'client' in professional services, IT, advertising, etc. It implies an ongoing business relationship.
新しいクライアントを獲得した。
We acquired a new client.
Refers to a business partner or client with whom one has transactions. More formal and emphasizes the business relationship.
To refer to a person who is shopping or buying something, focusing on the act of purchasing.
Specifically refers to a shopper, someone who is in the act of buying things. Commonly used in retail contexts.
週末は買い物客で賑わう。
On weekends it's crowded with shoppers.
A formal term for 'purchaser' or 'buyer', often used in economics or marketing.
購買者の行動を分析する。
Analyze the behavior of purchasers.
To refer to a customer of transportation services, such as trains, buses, taxis, or airlines.
The standard term for 'passenger' on any form of transportation.
乗客の安全を確保してください。
Please ensure the safety of the passengers.
To refer to customers of entertainment or events, such as theater, concerts, or sports.
Refers to the audience or spectators at a performance, show, or sporting event.
観客は総立ちで拍手した。
The audience gave a standing ovation.
To refer to a customer staying at accommodation.
Specifically refers to a guest staying overnight at a hotel, ryokan, or other lodging.
宿泊客に朝食を提供しています。
We provide breakfast for our guests.
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'.
いらっしゃいませ。何名様ですか。
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.
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.
常連客には特別割引があります。
There is a special discount for regular customers.
固定客を増やす戦略を考えよう。
Let's think of a strategy to increase our loyal customers.
取引先との会議が長引いた。
The meeting with the client ran long.