Translation guide
The English word 'social' covers a wide range of meanings, from 'relating to society' to 'friendly and outgoing'. Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on the specific meaning.
social (relating to society)
social (sociable person)
social media
Describing something connected to society, social structures, or public life.
Describing a person who likes being with others and is good at interacting.
The standard word for a 'social' person, meaning sociable and outgoing.
Referring to events, activities, or situations where people meet and interact informally.
Used for 'social' in the context of socializing, such as social events or social clubs.
Referring to social networking services or online communities.
The common abbreviation for 'social networking service'. Used in everyday Japanese.
Connect with friends on social media.
Describing animals that live in communities or colonies.
Used for 'social' animals or insects, like ants or bees.
The loanword ソーシャル is mainly used in compound terms like ソーシャルメディア or ソーシャルスキル. It is not used to describe a person as 'social'. Use 社交的な instead.
He is social. (unnatural)
Consider the social impact.
He is very social.
You have a social personality.
Literally 'good at interacting with people'. Describes someone who is sociable and maintains good relationships.
She is social (good with people).
Means 'cheerful' or 'lively', often implying a social, outgoing nature. More about temperament than social skill.
Talking with a social/cheerful person is fun.
I'm learning social dancing.
Manners in social settings.
Refers to social gatherings for building friendship, often used in formal or business contexts like 'social gathering'.
Hold a social gathering.
Means 'exchange' or 'interaction', often used for social or cultural exchange.
International social exchange event.
The direct loanword for 'social media'. Less common than SNS but understood.
How to use social media.
Ants are social insects.
彼は社交的だ。
He is social. (natural)
社会の refers to society as a whole (social issues, social structure). 社交の refers to socializing and interpersonal interaction (social skills, social events).
social rules (of society)
social rules (of etiquette)