Translation guide
To deal in something means to buy and sell a particular product as a business, or to be involved in a particular area of activity. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Expressing that a person or business buys and sells a specific type of goods.
A versatile verb meaning 'to handle' or 'to deal in'. Commonly used for products a business carries.
Expressing that someone is engaged in a particular area of work, often abstract or intangible.
Means 'to handle' or 'to work on'. Commonly used for projects, businesses, or creative fields.
彼は不動産を手がけている。
He deals in real estate.
The English phrasal verb 'deal in' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Using 取引する (とりひきする) may sound unnatural when referring to the specific goods a business handles. Use 扱う or context-appropriate verbs instead.
この店は古書を扱っています。
This store deals in old books.
A slightly formal or literary term for trading in goods. Often used for traditional or specialized merchandise.
彼は骨董品を商っている。
He deals in antiques.
Literally 'to specialize in handling'. Emphasizes that dealing in a particular product is the main focus.
当店は輸入ワインを専門に扱っております。
Our shop specializes in imported wines.
Means 'to be engaged in' or 'to participate in'. Suitable for professions, industries, or social causes.
彼女は教育事業に携わっています。
She deals in educational services.
Literally 'to make a business of'. Implies dealing in something as a livelihood, sometimes with a nuance of opportunism.
彼は情報を商売にしている。
He deals in information.