Translation guide
The English word 'networking' can refer to building professional relationships, computer networking, or broadcasting. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: the social and professional activity of making contacts.
Building and maintaining professional or social contacts for career or mutual benefit.
Literally 'expand one's personal network'. This is the most natural way to express the concept of networking in a professional context.
異業種交流会で人脈を広げた。
I expanded my network at a cross-industry networking event.
Literally 'build a personal network'. Emphasizes the creation of new connections.
セミナーに参加して人脈を作りたい。
I want to build my network by attending seminars.
The loanword is understood, especially in business contexts, but the Japanese phrases above are more natural in conversation.
今夜のネットワーキングイベントに参加しますか？
Are you going to the networking event tonight?
Literally 'make connections'. Often implies using personal connections for advantage, and can carry a slightly negative nuance of 'pulling strings'. Use with caution.
Can sound like you are seeking unfair advantage. '人脈を広げる' is safer and more positive.
彼はコネを作るのが上手い。
He's good at making connections (to get ahead).
Connecting computers and devices to share data and resources.
The standard term for computer networking as a concept or field.
彼はネットワークの専門家だ。
He is a networking expert.
The act of broadcasting programs across a network of stations.
Specifically refers to broadcasting via a network, such as a national TV network.
その番組は全国ネットワーク放送された。
The program was broadcast nationwide.
人脈 (jinmyaku) is a neutral/positive term for a network of contacts built through professional or social activities. コネ (kone) often implies using connections for personal gain and can sound negative. For general networking, stick with 人脈.
人脈を活かして仕事を見つけた。
I found a job through my network.
コネで入社したらしい。
Apparently he got the job through connections (implying favoritism).
Instead of a direct translation, describe the action: 交流会に参加する (attend a networking event), 名刺交換をする (exchange business cards), 業界の人と知り合う (get to know people in the industry).
昨日のパーティーでたくさんの業界の人と知り合った。
I met a lot of people in the industry at yesterday's party.
昨日のパーティーでたくさんの業界の人と知り合った。
I met a lot of people in the industry at yesterday's party.
Also used in technical contexts, but 'ネットワーク' is more common as a noun.
ネットワーキングの基礎を学ぶ。
Learn the basics of networking.