Translation guide
The English word 'territory' can refer to physical land under control, an animal's range, a sales area, or a metaphorical domain. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a geographical area controlled by a country, government, or group.
The standard word for national territory. Used in political, legal, and geographical contexts.
That country is trying to expand its territory.
Can mean territory, domain, or area. Often used in academic or formal contexts, and also for spheres of influence.
This region was once the territory of another country.
Literally 'rope stretch', originally meaning a demarcated area. Now often used for gang turf or animal territory. Can sound rough or informal for national territory.
This is our territory.
To describe the area an animal defends or inhabits.
To refer to a designated area for business, sales, or distribution.
Literally 'assigned area'. The standard term in business for a sales territory or service area.
His sales territory is the western part of Tokyo.
Commonly used in business contexts, especially in sales. Slightly more casual than 担当区域.
Can be used humorously or informally for a sales territory, but implies a turf war or possessive attitude. Use with caution.
May sound too aggressive or gang-like in formal business settings.
To express that something is someone's area of expertise, control, or interest.
Used for abstract domains like academic fields, areas of responsibility, or spheres of activity.
That's not my territory (area of expertise).
Means 'field' or 'area', often used for academic or professional domains. Less about control, more about scope.
Used metaphorically, similar to English. Common in casual conversation.
領土 is strictly for national territory. 領域 is broader, covering abstract domains and formal areas. 縄張り implies a defended turf, often used for gangs or animals, and can sound rough if used for national borders.
Territorial disputes are hard to resolve.
This research opened up new territory.
The cats are fighting over territory.
In English, 'territory' is often used in phrases like 'uncharted territory' or 'familiar territory'. Direct translation may not work. Use expressions like 未知の領域 (unknown territory) or 慣れた分野 (familiar field) instead.
That's uncharted territory.
ライオンは自分のテリトリーを守る。
Lions defend their territory.
このエリアは私のテリトリーです。
This area is my territory.
New employees shouldn't invade my territory.
He entered new territory in his research.
それは彼のテリトリーだから、口出ししないほうがいい。
That's his territory, so you'd better not interfere.