Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'parent company' depends on the relationship and context. The most common word is 親会社 (おやがいしゃ), used in business and legal contexts. For corporate groups, 本社 (ほんしゃ) can mean 'head office' or the main company. In keiretsu structures, 元請け (もとうけ) refers to the prime contractor or parent company in subcontracting chains.
The company that owns controlling interest in a subsidiary.
Standard term for a parent company in corporate and legal contexts. Used when referring to the entity that holds a majority stake in another company (子会社, こがいしゃ).
The parent company owns several subsidiaries.
The parent company's financial results were announced.
Literally 'head office' or 'main company'. In corporate groups, it can refer to the parent company, especially when contrasting with branches (支社, ししゃ) or subsidiaries. Less precise than 親会社 for ownership relationships.
本社 often just means 'headquarters' and does not necessarily imply a parent-subsidiary relationship. Use 親会社 when ownership is key.
The head office (parent company) is in Tokyo.
The company that outsources work to smaller subcontractors, common in construction, manufacturing, and IT.
Refers to the prime contractor or main contractor that takes on a project and subcontracts parts to other companies. Often used in construction and manufacturing hierarchies.
The parent company (prime contractor) places orders with subcontractors.
Explicitly 'prime contracting company'. Used when clarity is needed.
An overarching organization that controls or oversees smaller entities, such as a holding company, foundation, or association.
親会社 (おやがいしゃ) specifically means a parent company that owns another company (子会社). 本社 (ほんしゃ) means 'head office' or 'main office' and can sometimes refer to the parent company in a group, but it is primarily about location or administrative center. If you want to emphasize the ownership relationship, use 親会社.
Do not translate 'parent company' as 両親会社 (りょうしんがいしゃ) or 父母会社 (ふぼがいしゃ). These are not used and sound unnatural. Stick to 親会社.
The prime contracting company bears responsibility.
This NPO's parent organization has an international network.