Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'regular customer' is expressed through several terms that emphasize loyalty, familiarity, and ongoing patronage. The most common and versatile word is 常連, used in everyday conversation for shops, restaurants, and bars. Other terms like 常客 and 固定客 are more formal or business-oriented. Understanding the nuances helps you sound natural in different contexts.
To refer to someone who regularly visits a particular establishment, such as a café, izakaya, or local store.
The most common and natural word for a regular customer. It implies a friendly, ongoing relationship with the establishment. Can be used for both the person and the status.
彼はあの居酒屋の常連だ。
He's a regular at that izakaya.
常連さんには特別サービスがあります。
We have a special service for our regular customers.
A slightly more explicit version of 常連, emphasizing the 'customer' aspect. Still common and natural.
この店は常連客で賑わっている。
This shop is bustling with regular customers.
A polite, friendly way to refer to a regular customer, often used by staff or when addressing them directly.
常連さん、いつもありがとうございます。
Thank you as always, our valued regular.
To describe a customer who repeatedly uses a service or buys from a company, often in marketing or formal settings.
Refers to a steady, loyal customer base. Common in business and marketing to describe customers who consistently patronize a business.
固定客を増やすためのキャンペーンを実施します。
We will run a campaign to increase our loyal customer base.
A more formal or literary term for a regular customer. Often used in written contexts or formal speech.
A loanword from English 'repeater', commonly used in marketing and casual business talk to mean a repeat customer.
To refer to a regular customer in a more traditional or formal sense, often implying a deeper relationship with the establishment, such as a long-time patron of a ryotei or a regular at a sumo stable.
Refers to a patron or favorite customer. It implies a special, supportive relationship, often used for traditional businesses, theaters, or sumo. Can also mean favoritism.
彼はその料亭の贔屓だ。
He is a patron of that traditional Japanese restaurant.
A very polite, honorific term for a valued regular customer, often used in formal business correspondence or by salespeople.
お得意様限定のセールをご案内いたします。
We would like to inform you of a sale exclusive to our valued customers.
常連 is used for individuals who frequent a specific place like a restaurant or bar, emphasizing a personal connection. 固定客 is more business-like, referring to a stable customer base or loyal clientele, often used in marketing contexts.
あの人は常連だから、いつも同じ席に座る。
That person is a regular, so they always sit at the same seat.
このサービスは固定客の維持に役立つ。
This service helps retain loyal customers.
Do not translate 'regular customer' word-for-word as 規則的な客 or 普通の客. These would mean 'rule-abiding customer' or 'ordinary customer', which are incorrect and confusing.
Our shop is supported by our regular customers.
リピーターを獲得するには品質が重要だ。
Quality is important to gain repeat customers.