Translation guide
A business operated by a single person, often without employees. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms that emphasize sole ownership and operation.
Referring to a business owned and run by one individual, typically without employees.
The standard term for a sole proprietorship, emphasizing individual ownership and operation. Commonly used in legal and business contexts.
彼は個人事業を営んでいる。
He runs a one-man business.
A casual, descriptive phrase meaning 'a business done by one person'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
彼女は一人でやっているビジネスを始めた。
She started a one-man business.
Literally 'one-man management', often implying a business where the owner makes all decisions alone. Can carry a nuance of autocratic leadership.
May imply a dictatorial style rather than simply a sole proprietorship.
その会社はワンマン経営だ。
That company is a one-man business (run autocratically).
Describing a person who works for themselves, often as a freelancer or independent contractor.
Refers to self-employment or a self-owned business. Commonly used for small, independent operations.
父は自営業をしています。
My father runs a one-man business.
個人事業 (kojin jigyo) is a formal term often used in legal/tax contexts, while 自営業 (jieigyo) is a broader, more everyday term for self-employment. Both can refer to a one-man business, but 個人事業 emphasizes the legal structure.
個人事業として登録する。
Register as a sole proprietorship.
自営業で生計を立てる。
Make a living through self-employment.
Loanword for 'freelancer', widely understood. Suitable for modern, independent work contexts.
彼はフリーランスのデザイナーだ。
He's a freelance designer (a one-man business).