Translation guide
The part of the economy that provides services rather than goods. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with サービス業 or 第三次産業, depending on context.
Referring broadly to businesses that provide services (e.g., retail, hospitality, finance) as opposed to manufacturing or agriculture.
The most common and natural way to say 'service sector' in everyday and business contexts. Literally 'service industry'.
彼はサービス業で働いています。
He works in the service sector.
サービス業は経済の重要な部分です。
The service sector is an important part of the economy.
The formal economic term for the tertiary sector, used in academic, statistical, or policy contexts.
第三次産業の成長が著しい。
The growth of the service sector is remarkable.
Talking about jobs or careers in service-oriented fields.
Refers to the service industry as a whole, often used when discussing employment sectors.
サービス業界への就職を希望しています。
I hope to find a job in the service sector.
Specifically refers to customer service jobs, a subset of the service sector. Not a direct translation of 'service sector' but often relevant.
Only use when the focus is on face-to-face customer service roles.
接客業は大変ですが、やりがいがあります。
Customer service work is tough but rewarding.
In economics, distinguishing the service sector from primary (agriculture, mining) and secondary (manufacturing) sectors.
The standard term in economics. Often used with 第一次産業 (primary) and 第二次産業 (secondary).
日本では第三次産業がGDPの約7割を占めています。
In Japan, the service sector accounts for about 70% of GDP.
サービス業 is the everyday term used in business and conversation. 第三次産業 is the formal economic classification. Use サービス業 unless you are writing an academic paper or economic report.
サービス業に従事しています。
I work in the service sector.
第三次産業の就業者数は増加傾向にある。
The number of workers in the tertiary sector is on the rise.