Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'salesperson' varies based on context, formality, and the type of sales role. Common terms include 営業 (eigyō) for business-to-business sales, 販売員 (hanbaiin) for retail sales staff, and 店員 (ten'in) for general store clerks. The choice depends on the industry and the relationship with the customer.
A person whose job is to sell products or services, typically in a business-to-business context, often involving client visits and negotiations.
The most common term for a salesperson in a corporate setting. It refers to the sales department or a person working in sales. Often used in compounds like 営業マン (eigyōman) for a male salesperson, though 営業 is gender-neutral.
He works in sales.
This is Mr. Tanaka from sales.
Specifically refers to a male salesperson. Commonly used in business contexts. The female equivalent is 営業ウーマン (eigyōūman), but 営業 is preferred for gender neutrality.
He is an excellent salesperson.
A direct loanword from English, used in some business contexts but less common than 営業. Can sound slightly formal or corporate.
We are hiring salespersons.
A person who works in a store, assisting customers and handling sales transactions.
General term for a store clerk or shop assistant. Can be used for any retail worker, not necessarily focused on sales.
I'll ask the salesperson.
Specifically a sales clerk or salesperson, emphasizing the selling aspect. Often used in department stores or specialty shops.
Refers to a salesperson, often in a market stall or street vendor context. Can also mean a shop assistant, but has a slightly old-fashioned or informal feel.
A salesperson representing a company, often in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals or real estate.
An outside salesperson who visits clients. Often used in insurance or financial industries. Can sound somewhat dated.
An insurance salesperson came.
Loanword for a male salesman, often used in contexts like car sales or door-to-door sales. Female form is セールスウーマン.
営業 (eigyō) is used for corporate sales roles involving client acquisition and relationship management. 販売員 (hanbaiin) is for retail sales staff focused on selling products. 店員 (ten'in) is a broader term for any store worker, including cashiers and stockers, not necessarily sales-focused.
I was assigned to the sales department.
I work as a salesperson at a department store.
I had the store clerk check the stock.
Directly translating 'salesperson' as セールスパーソン is not common in natural Japanese. Use 営業 or 販売員 depending on the context. セールスマン/セールスウーマン are used but can sound like a specific job title rather than a general term.
She is a salesperson at a car dealership.
The salesperson helped me choose a gift.
That salesperson is kind, isn't he?
The salesperson's explanation was easy to understand.
The calls of the vendors are lively.
A salesman tried to sell me a new car.