Translation guide
The English word 'marketing' is widely used in Japanese, but its meaning can be narrower than in English. This guide covers how to express marketing concepts naturally in Japanese, from the general business function to specific promotional activities.
Referring to the overall business activity of marketing, including strategy, research, and planning.
The most direct and common term. Used in business contexts for the strategic function.
彼はマーケティング部で働いています。
He works in the marketing department.
マーケティング戦略を立てる必要があります。
We need to develop a marketing strategy.
Literally 'sales promotion'. Often used for the practical, tactical side of marketing, especially in retail.
販売促進のためのイベントを企画しています。
We are planning an event for sales promotion.
A more formal, literal term meaning 'market activities'. Rarely used in everyday business; more common in academic or economic contexts.
市場活動の分析を行いました。
We conducted an analysis of market activities.
Referring to the specific activities of promoting a product or service, such as advertising, events, or campaigns.
The most common word for promotion or advertising. Can be used for both commercial and non-commercial promotion.
新製品の宣伝を始めました。
We started promoting the new product.
口コミでの宣伝が効果的です。
Word-of-mouth promotion is effective.
Specifically refers to advertising, such as TV commercials, print ads, or online ads.
Referring to the research and analysis aspect of marketing, such as studying consumer behavior or market trends.
The standard term for market research.
市場調査の結果を報告します。
I will report the results of the market research.
Referring to marketing as an academic subject or career path.
Used for both the academic discipline and the profession.
大学でマーケティングを専攻しました。
I majored in marketing at university.
マーケティングの仕事に就きたいです。
I want to get a job in marketing.
マーケティング is the broader strategic concept, while 宣伝 refers specifically to promotional activities. In many contexts where English uses 'marketing' to mean advertising or promotion, 宣伝 is more natural.
マーケティング戦略に基づいて宣伝活動を行います。
We carry out promotional activities based on the marketing strategy.
In casual conversation, using マーケティング to mean 'advertising' or 'promotion' can sound overly technical or like business jargon. Use 宣伝 or 広告 instead.
マーケティングを改善する必要があります。
We need to improve our marketing.
宣伝キャンペーンは成功しました。
The marketing campaign was a success.
彼女はマーケティングの仕事をしています。
She works in marketing.
テレビ広告を出稿しました。
We placed a TV advertisement.
Loanword from English, often used for sales promotions, campaigns, or special offers.
今月のプロモーションは全品10%オフです。
This month's promotion is 10% off all items.
Loanword, often used in business settings, especially when referring to modern, data-driven research.
マーケティングリサーチ会社に依頼しました。
We commissioned a marketing research company.