Translation guide
The English word 'multinational' can describe companies, organizations, forces, or events involving multiple nations. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: whether you are talking about a corporation, a military force, or a general concept. The most common equivalent is 多国籍 (takokuseki), but other expressions like 多国間 (takokukan) or 国際的 (kokusaiteki) may be more natural depending on the nuance.
Describing a company that operates in multiple countries.
This is the standard term for a multinational corporation. It literally means 'multi-nationality enterprise'.
彼は多国籍企業で働いています。
He works for a multinational corporation.
多国籍企業の影響力は大きい。
The influence of multinational corporations is significant.
Used as a prefix or standalone adjective meaning 'multinational'. Often used in compounds like 多国籍企業 (multinational enterprise) or 多国籍軍 (multinational force).
Literally 'international enterprise'. This is a broader term that can also refer to companies engaged in international business, not necessarily having a presence in many countries.
国際企業への就職を希望しています。
I hope to get a job at an international company.
Referring to a military force composed of troops from multiple nations.
The standard term for a multinational military force. Used in news and official contexts.
多国籍軍が平和維持活動を行った。
The multinational force carried out peacekeeping operations.
Refers to a multinational unit or contingent, often used for specific military units.
多国籍部隊が派遣された。
A multinational unit was dispatched.
Describing events, agreements, or organizations that involve several countries.
Means 'multilateral' or 'among many countries'. Used for agreements, talks, treaties, etc.
多国間協定が結ばれた。
A multinational agreement was concluded.
多国間の貿易交渉が行われている。
Multinational trade negotiations are underway.
Means 'international'. It is a very common word and can often be used where English uses 'multinational', but it lacks the specific nuance of 'many nations' and simply means 'between nations' or 'global'.
Can also be used more broadly for anything involving multiple nationalities, such as a multinational team or crowd.
Describing a country or region with many ethnic groups or nations.
Literally 'multi-ethnic nation'. This is the standard term for a multinational state in political science.
ロシアは多民族国家です。
Russia is a multinational state.
Means 'multiethnic' or 'multinational' in the sense of many ethnic groups. Can be used as an adjective.
多国籍 (takokuseki) emphasizes the involvement of many nations or nationalities, while 国際的 (kokusaiteki) simply means 'international' and is more general. Use 多国籍 when you want to stress the multiplicity of countries, such as in 'multinational corporation' or 'multinational force'. 国際的 is better for 'international' in a broad sense, like 'international fame'.
English 'multinational' is sometimes used interchangeably with 'international', but in Japanese, 多国籍 is not always appropriate. For example, 'international airport' is 国際空港 (kokusai kūkō), not 多国籍空港. Use 多国籍 only when multiple nations are directly involved as entities or participants.
その会社は多国籍です。
That company is multinational.
その問題は国際的な注目を集めた。
The issue attracted international attention.
多国籍のチームでプロジェクトを進めた。
We proceeded with the project in a multinational team.
多民族社会の課題について議論した。
We discussed the challenges of a multinational society.