Translation guide
The English word "society" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common equivalent is 社会 (shakai), but depending on context, you may need words for community, a specific organization, or high society.
Referring to the broad system of human relationships, the public, or the community at large.
The most common and general word for 'society'. It covers the abstract concept of society, the public, and the social order.
社会に出る
to go out into the world (start working)
社会問題
social problem
社会の一員としての責任
responsibility as a member of society
Literally 'the world', often used to mean 'society' or 'the times we live in'. More colloquial and concrete than 社会.
世の中は厳しい。
Society is tough. / The world is a harsh place.
世の中の役に立つ仕事
a job that contributes to society
Refers to 'society' as the people around you, public opinion, or the social world. Often implies social pressure or what others think.
Referring to a formal organization, club, or association of people with a common interest.
Used for formal associations, societies, or institutes, often in official names.
日本赤十字社は人道支援を行う協会です。
The Japanese Red Cross Society is an association that provides humanitarian aid.
Specifically an academic society or scholarly association.
Used for cooperatives, unions, or guilds. Often implies a mutual-benefit organization.
A general suffix meaning 'society', 'club', or 'association'. Often used in names.
英語会
English Society (club)
Referring to the wealthy, fashionable, or aristocratic social elite.
Literally 'upper-stream society', the standard term for high society or the upper class.
彼女は上流社会の出身だ。
She comes from high society.
Refers specifically to the social world of parties, events, and high-society networking.
Referring to the economic, political, or social system, often in academic or critical contexts.
社会 is the most neutral and formal word for 'society'. 世の中 is more colloquial and often implies 'the world we live in' or 'the times'. 世間 emphasizes the people around you and their opinions, often with a nuance of social pressure.
社会に出る
to enter society (start working)
世の中、そんなに甘くない。
Life isn't that easy. (The world isn't so sweet.)
世間の目が気になる。
I'm concerned about what people think.
English uses 'society' for many specific groups (e.g., 'the local history society'). In Japanese, you often need a more specific word like 協会, 学会, or サークル. Using 社会 for a small club sounds unnatural.
私たちは社会の中で生きている。
We live in a society.
彼は社会にとって危険だ。
He's a danger to society.
彼女は歴史協会に入会した。
She joined the historical society.
If it's an academic group, 史学会 (shigakkai) might be better.
日本物理学会
The Physical Society of Japan
学会で発表する
to present at an academic conference
農業協同組合
agricultural cooperative society
社交界デビュー
debut into high society