Translation guide
The series of steps or methods used to produce goods, from raw materials to finished products. In Japanese, the term varies depending on whether you refer to the overall production method, the specific steps, or the industrial system.
To refer to the overall method or system by which something is manufactured.
The most common and neutral term for 'manufacturing process,' referring to the sequence of steps in production.
The manufacturing process for this product is complex.
Similar to 製造工程 but often used in broader contexts, including agricultural or resource extraction processes.
Efficiency improvements in the production process are required.
A loanword from English, commonly used in technical or business contexts.
We introduced a new manufacturing process.
To refer to a particular method or technique used in manufacturing, such as casting, molding, or machining.
Refers to a specific manufacturing method or recipe, often used for traditional or proprietary techniques.
The manufacturing method for this sake is a closely guarded secret.
Specifically refers to processing or fabrication methods, often for materials like metal or plastic.
We reduced costs with a new processing method.
To refer to the entire system of manufacturing, including equipment, workflow, and management, often in an industrial engineering context.
To refer to a manufacturing process that is artisanal or not fully automated, often emphasizing craftsmanship.
製造工程 (seizō kōtei) is more specific to manufacturing and fabrication, while 生産工程 (seisan kōtei) can include broader production activities like agriculture or mining. In most industrial contexts, they are interchangeable, but 製造工程 is slightly more common for discrete goods.
The English word 'process' can be translated as 過程 (katei) or プロセス (purosesu), but in manufacturing contexts, 工程 (kōtei) is the standard term. Using 過程 may sound unnatural or overly abstract.
Manufacturing by hand takes time.