Translation guide
A facility where goods are received, stored, and then shipped to retailers or customers. In Japanese, the most common term is 物流センター, but other terms exist depending on context.
A warehouse-like facility that handles receiving, storing, and shipping goods, often part of a supply chain.
The standard term for a distribution center in logistics and business contexts. Combines 物流 (physical distribution) and センター (center).
A new distribution center was built in the suburbs.
This distribution center operates 24 hours a day.
Emphasizes the shipping/delivery aspect. Often used for centers that focus on outbound distribution to customers or stores.
Orders are delivered directly from the distribution center.
A broader term for a distribution or circulation center, sometimes used for wholesale markets or large-scale logistics hubs.
Fresh produce reaches retail stores via the distribution center.
A large building used primarily for storage and distribution, often with loading docks.
Means 'warehouse'. Can be used when the distribution center is essentially a warehouse, but it lacks the 'distribution' nuance unless context makes it clear.
倉庫 alone does not imply a distribution function; it simply means warehouse. Use 物流センター or 配送センター when the distribution aspect is key.
Goods are stored in the warehouse and shipped as needed.
A facility that processes online orders, picks, packs, and ships directly to consumers.
A loanword from English, used specifically for e-commerce fulfillment centers. Common in business contexts.
Robots are active in Amazon's fulfillment centers.
物流センター (butsuryū sentā) is the most general and widely used term for a distribution center. 配送センター (haisō sentā) emphasizes the shipping and delivery function. 流通センター (ryūtsū sentā) is often used for larger-scale distribution hubs or wholesale markets. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 物流センター is the safest choice.
Sorting work is done at the distribution center.
We ship nationwide from the distribution center.