Translation guide
The concept of a family business in Japanese can be expressed in several ways, depending on whether you mean the type of enterprise, the act of running it, or the specific trade of a family.
Referring to a company or shop that is managed by family members, often passed down through generations.
The most common and natural term for a family business, especially one that has been passed down through generations. It emphasizes the family's trade or occupation.
He dropped out of university to take over the family business.
This shop is a family business that has been passed down for generations.
Literally 'family-run company'. This is a more descriptive phrase, often used in business contexts to specify that a company is managed by family members.
That company is a family-run business, and the president's son serves as vice president.
A more formal or technical term for a family-owned enterprise, often used in economic or business discussions. It emphasizes ownership by a single family or clan.
Many of Japan's small and medium-sized enterprises are family businesses.
Referring to the specific occupation or craft that a family traditionally engages in, not necessarily a formal business entity.
Same word as above, but here it emphasizes the family's traditional occupation or trade, such as farming, fishing, or craftsmanship.
His family business is farming.
A more formal or historical term for a family occupation, often used in the context of traditional crafts or hereditary professions.
Describing the situation or activity of operating a business together as a family.
家業 (かぎょう) is a noun meaning 'family business' as an entity or trade, often with a sense of tradition. 家族経営 (かぞくけいえい) is a noun or suru-verb meaning 'family management' and describes the style of running a business. Use 家業 when referring to the business itself, and 家族経営 when emphasizing the management aspect.
The literal translation '家族のビジネス' (かぞくのビジネス) is not natural in Japanese and may sound like a business that deals with families. Avoid this phrase.
That family has traditionally been swordsmiths as their family trade.
They run a family business and get along very well.