Translation guide
The practice of managing communication between an organization and the public. In Japanese, the English loanword PR is most common, but native terms exist for formal contexts.
The overall function or department responsible for managing an organization's public image and media relations.
The standard term in Japanese business. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'do PR'. Often combined with 活動 (activities) or 会社 (agency).
She works at a PR agency.
We will strengthen PR activities for the new product.
Formal term for public relations or public information, often used in government, non-profits, and corporate settings. Refers to the department or the activity.
Please contact the public relations department.
We publish the city's PR magazine every month.
Full English loanword, rarely used in practice. Mostly seen in academic or very formal international contexts.
Study the theory of public relations.
Efforts to gain media coverage or public attention, often for a product, event, or person.
General term for publicity, promotion, or advertising. Can overlap with PR but often implies more direct promotional activity.
The movie's publicity went well.
Literally 'media exposure'. Used when discussing the amount or quality of coverage in TV, newspapers, etc.
Develop a strategy to increase media exposure.
The perception of an organization or person by the public, and efforts to maintain or improve it.
Wasei-eigo meaning 'improving one's image'. Commonly used in corporate and personal contexts.
Participate in community activities to improve the company's image.
Reputation or public estimation. Often used with 良い/悪い (good/bad).
PR (ピーアール) is the most common and versatile term in business. 広報 is more formal and often used for official announcements or government PR. 宣伝 leans toward advertising and promotion, not necessarily relationship-building.
PR is an activity to enhance corporate image.
Public relations has the role of conveying accurate information.
Publicity is an activity to sell products.
Avoid literal translations like 公衆関係 (こうしゅうかんけい) or 公共関係 (こうきょうかんけい). These are not used in Japanese and will cause confusion.
The company needs better public relations.
Public relations is about building trust.
He is good at promoting his company.
あのレストランは評判がいい。
That restaurant has a good reputation.
It's hard to erase a bad reputation.