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.
Describing something connected to society, social structures, or public life.
The most direct translation for 'social' in the sense of 'relating to society'. Used in formal and neutral contexts.
社会問題について話し合う。
Discuss social issues.
Reform the social system.
Adjectival form meaning 'social' in a broader, often academic or analytical sense. Similar to 'societal'.
社会的な影響を考える。
Consider the social impact.
Describing a person who likes being with others and is good at interacting.
The standard word for a 'social' person, meaning sociable and outgoing.
彼はとても社交的だ。
He is very social.
社交的な性格ですね。
You have a social personality.
Literally 'good at interacting with people'. Describes someone who is sociable and maintains good relationships.
彼女は人付き合いがいい。
She is social (good with people).
Means 'cheerful' or 'lively', often implying a social, outgoing nature. More about temperament than social skill.
陽気な人と話すのは楽しい。
Talking with a social/cheerful person is fun.
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.
社交ダンスを習っている。
I'm learning social dancing.
社交の場でのマナー。
Manners in social settings.
Refers to social gatherings for building friendship, often used in formal or business contexts like 'social gathering'.
懇親会を開く。
Hold a social gathering.
Means 'exchange' or 'interaction', often used for social or cultural exchange.
Referring to social networking services or online communities.
The common abbreviation for 'social networking service'. Used in everyday Japanese.
SNSで友達とつながる。
Connect with friends on social media.
The direct loanword for 'social media'. Less common than SNS but understood.
ソーシャルメディアの使い方。
How to use social media.
Describing animals that live in communities or colonies.
Used for 'social' animals or insects, like ants or bees.
アリは社会性昆虫だ。
Ants are social insects.
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.
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).
国際交流イベント。
International social exchange event.