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.
彼は商魂たくましい。
He has a strong mercantile spirit.
Refers to the temperament or disposition of a merchant, often implying pragmatism and profit-mindedness.
彼の商人気質が成功の鍵だ。
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.
彼女は商売気質に富んでいる。
She is full of mercantile spirit.
A more formal term meaning 'profit-making spirit'. Used in economic or business contexts.
営利精神が経済発展を支える。
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.
彼は商才に恵まれている。
He is blessed with a mercantile spirit.
Literally 'good at business', it implies a natural skill for trade and profit-making.
彼女は本当に商売上手だ。
She really has a mercantile spirit.
Means 'a knack for making money'. It emphasizes the profit-driven aspect of the mercantile spirit.
彼には金儲けの才覚がある。
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.