Translation guide
The mindset or attitude focused on commerce, trade, and profit-making, often associated with shrewdness and pragmatism.
A general attitude or ethos centered on business and profit
Literally 'merchant spirit', this is the most direct and common equivalent. It implies a strong drive for business and profit.
He has a strong mercantile spirit.
Refers to the temperament or disposition of a merchant, often implying pragmatism and profit-mindedness.
His mercantile spirit is the key to his success.
Similar to 商人気質, but more focused on the business or trade aspect. Can be used for anyone with a business-oriented mindset.
She is full of mercantile spirit.
A more formal term meaning 'profit-making spirit'. Used in economic or business contexts.
The mercantile spirit supports economic development.
The cleverness and pragmatism associated with commerce
Means 'business acumen' or 'commercial talent'. It captures the shrewd, practical intelligence of a mercantile spirit.
He is blessed with a mercantile spirit.
Literally 'good at business', it implies a natural skill for trade and profit-making.
She really has a mercantile spirit.
Means 'a knack for making money'. It emphasizes the profit-driven aspect of the mercantile spirit.
He has a mercantile spirit.
商魂 (shoukon) is a more vivid, somewhat old-fashioned term that directly translates 'mercantile spirit'. 商人気質 (shounin katagi) is more about the inherent character of a merchant. Both are common, but 商魂 is more emphatic.
Direct translations like 商業精神 (shougyou seishin) are not idiomatic and sound unnatural. Stick to the options above.