Translation guide
The English word "sale" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. This guide breaks them down by meaning: selling something, a special discount event, and the act of selling in a business context.
The store is having a sale.
Sales increased last month.
To express the act of selling goods or services.
The most common and general term for 'selling' or 'sales' as a business activity. Used for both products and services.
The sale of this product has ended.
We will start selling the new product.
Refers to selling off assets like property, stocks, or a business. More formal and often implies disposal.
The basic verb 'to sell'. Used in everyday conversation, but 販売 is more common for business contexts.
To refer to a promotional event where items are sold at reduced prices.
The most direct equivalent for a 'sale' as a discount event. Used widely in stores and online.
There's a big sale this weekend.
I bought these clothes on sale.
Often implies a clearance sale or a bargain sale, especially for clothing. 'バーゲンセール' is also common.
A special sale, often for a limited time or on specific items, like at a supermarket.
A grand sale or clearance event, often with a festive atmosphere. Less common in modern usage.
To refer to the sales department of a company or the revenue generated from selling.
Refers to the sales department or sales activities in a company. Also means business operations.
He works in the sales department.
Specifically means sales revenue or turnover. Used in financial contexts.
Can also refer to sales as a function, but 営業 is more common for the department.
セール only means a discount event. To say 'the sale of goods', use 販売 (はんばい). Saying グッズのセール would mean 'a sale on goods' (discount), not 'the selling of goods'.
営業 (えいぎょう) refers to the broader sales activities and department, while 販売 (はんばい) is the act of selling products. Use 営業部 for 'sales department' and 販売 for 'selling products'.
The sale of alcohol is prohibited here.
I got this jacket on sale.
彼は家を売却した。
He sold his house.
What do you sell at this store?
デパートのバーゲンに行ってきた。
I went to the department store bargain sale.
今日は卵が特売だ。
Eggs are on special sale today.
The shopping street is having a big sale.
Sales performance improved.
今月の売上は前年比10%増です。
This month's sales are up 10% year-on-year.
販売戦略を練る。
To devise a sales strategy.