Translation guide
The English word 'merchant' generally refers to a person or business involved in trade, especially wholesale or large-scale buying and selling. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 商人 (しょうにん), but other terms exist depending on context, such as 業者 (ぎょうしゃ) for a trader or dealer, and 商店 (しょうてん) for a shop or store. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on the specific meaning and situation.
To refer to an individual engaged in trade, especially historically or in a traditional sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'merchant'. It can refer to a trader in any context, from historical merchants to modern businesspeople.
He succeeded as a merchant.
Specifically a merchant involved in international trade. Use when emphasizing import/export activities.
To refer to a commercial enterprise, often wholesale or dealing in specific goods.
A general term for a trader, dealer, or business operator. Often used in compound words like 卸業者 (wholesaler) or 小売業者 (retailer).
To refer to a merchant in historical settings, such as medieval or Edo-period Japan, or in fantasy stories.
To use 'merchant' as an adjective describing something related to trade or commerce.
商人 (しょうにん) is a general term for a merchant or trader, often with a traditional or individual connotation. 業者 (ぎょうしゃ) is broader, referring to any business operator or dealer, and is commonly used in modern commercial contexts. 商社 (しょうしゃ) specifically means a trading company, usually large-scale and involved in international trade.
When 'merchant' is used as an adjective (e.g., merchant bank), do not directly translate it as 商人の. Instead, use 商業の (しょうぎょうの) or specific compound words like 商船 (しょうせん) for merchant ship.
He is a wealthy merchant.
There are many merchants in this town.
He trades overseas as a merchant.
Refers to the mercantile spirit or the character of a merchant. Not a direct translation of 'merchant' but a related concept.
He has a merchant's mentality and is strict about profit and loss.
That merchant provides high-quality goods.
We are looking for a reliable merchant.
Refers to a shop or store, often a small retail business. While not exactly 'merchant', it can be used when the focus is on the physical place of business.
That merchant's shop is always bustling.
A trading company, typically large and involved in international trade. Common in business contexts.
He works for a major trading company (merchant).
Still the standard term, but in historical contexts it may evoke the image of a traditional merchant class.
In the Edo period, merchants played an important role.
A traveling merchant or peddler. Useful for historical or fantasy settings where merchants travel from town to town.
A traveling merchant came to the village.
merchant ship
A specific term for 'merchant ship'. More concise than 商業船.
Many merchant ships are anchored at the port.
The merchant sold spices from the East.