Translation guide
A business model where independent distributors sell products directly to consumers, often recruiting others to build a downline. In Japanese, the most common term is ネットワークマーケティング, but related concepts like MLM and specific company practices have distinct terms.
The overall business model of direct selling through a network of distributors.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in business contexts.
彼女はネットワークマーケティングで成功した。
She succeeded in network marketing.
Literally 'network business', often used interchangeably with network marketing.
ネットワークビジネスに興味がありますか？
Are you interested in network marketing?
A specific type of network marketing where distributors earn commissions from their own sales and the sales of their recruits.
The standard term for MLM, often abbreviated as MLM in Japanese as well.
この会社はマルチレベルマーケティングを採用している。
This company uses multi-level marketing.
The English abbreviation is commonly used in Japanese business contexts.
MLMは日本でも広く知られている。
MLM is widely known in Japan as well.
Referring to network marketing in the context of well-known companies like Amway.
Amway is a prominent network marketing company; the name is often used generically to refer to the business model, though this can carry negative connotations.
Using a specific company name may imply that exact company, not the general concept.
彼はアムウェイのディストリビューターだ。
He is an Amway distributor.
When network marketing is perceived as an illegal pyramid scheme.
Literally 'mouse scheme', the standard term for pyramid schemes. Often used pejoratively for network marketing.
ネットワークマーケティングはねずみ講だと言う人もいる。
Some people say network marketing is a pyramid scheme.
The English loanword, used in legal or business discussions.
そのビジネスはピラミッドスキームとして禁止された。
That business was banned as a pyramid scheme.
In Japan, network marketing often carries a negative stigma due to associations with pyramid schemes and aggressive recruitment. Terms like ねずみ講 (pyramid scheme) are sometimes used interchangeably by the public, even if the business is legal. Be cautious when discussing the topic.