Translation guide
A business owned and run by one person, with no legal distinction between owner and business. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed as 個人事業 (kojin jigyo) or 個人経営 (kojin keiei).
sole proprietorship (business form)
sole proprietor (person)
Referring to the legal form of a business owned by a single individual, often for tax or registration purposes.
The standard term for a sole proprietorship in legal, tax, and business contexts. Emphasizes the business as an entity.
He started a sole proprietorship.
Submit a notification of commencement of a sole proprietorship.
Focuses on the management/operation aspect. Often used for small shops, restaurants, etc.
That shop is a sole proprietorship (individually managed).
Specifically refers to a small retail store run by an individual. More concrete than the above terms.
There are many sole proprietorship shops in front of the station.
Describing a person who runs their own business alone, often freelancers or independent contractors.
個人事業 is the formal term for the legal structure. 個人経営 emphasizes the management style, often used for small shops. 自営業 is broader, meaning 'self-employment,' and can include family-run businesses.
In casual conversation, people may simply say 自営業 or describe what they do. 個人事業主 is common in tax/legal discussions.
The legal/tax term for a sole proprietor (the person). Used in official contexts.
File a tax return as a sole proprietor.
She is a freelance designer (and likely a sole proprietor).