得意先
Meanings
1
regular customer; client; patron
Refers to a business's established customers or clients, especially in commercial or trade contexts. Often used in business Japanese.
We offer special discounts to our regular customers.
The sales department is working hard to develop new clients.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が得意先を訪問するto visit a client
I'm planning to visit a client this afternoon.
- 得意先回りをするto make the rounds of one's regular clients
The sales department makes the rounds of clients every week.
- 得意先を開拓するto develop new clients
We conducted market research to develop new clients.
- 得意先に商品を届けるto deliver goods to a client
Sometimes we deliver goods directly to clients.