Translation guide
The word 'industry' can refer to a sector of the economy, hard work, or the collective companies in a field. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to a branch of economic activity, such as the automotive industry or the service industry.
The most common and general term for an industry as an economic sector. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
The automobile industry is an important industry in Japan.
The tourism industry supports the economy of this region.
Refers to a specific business world or trade, often used when talking about the inner workings, trends, or people within that field.
He is a famous designer in the industry.
Research industry trends.
Specifically refers to manufacturing or heavy industry, not service sectors.
This region has a thriving industry (manufacturing).
Referring to the quality of working hard and being diligent.
A noun or na-adjective meaning diligence or industriousness. Often used in formal or written contexts.
His success is the result of industry.
Means effort or hard work. More common than 勤勉 in everyday speech, but broader than 'industry'.
A formal term for diligence or assiduity, often used in written language or speeches.
Referring to all the businesses involved in a particular area, often used in news or business contexts.
産業 (さんぎょう) is the general term for an industry as an economic sector (e.g., the steel industry). 業界 (ぎょうかい) refers to the business world or trade circles, often implying the people and companies within that field. Use 産業 for broad economic categories and 業界 when talking about industry insiders or market trends.
The IT industry is growing.
I want to work in the IT industry.
産業 never means diligence or hard work. If you want to express the quality of being industrious, use 勤勉 (きんべん) or 努力 (どりょく).
The steel industry is declining.
She is known for her industry.
Industry leaders met to discuss the crisis.
His industry bore fruit.
A spirit of industry and diligence.
Leaders of industry attended the conference.