Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Branch" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "branch", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支店
してん (shiten)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
支社
ししゃ (shisha)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "branch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支店 and 支社.
In Japanese, 支店 (してん (shiten)) is typically associated with "branch office, branch store" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a branch location of a larger company or organization.
On the other hand, 支社 (ししゃ (shisha)) maps to "Branch office" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A subordinate office of a larger company, usually located in a different city or region from the main headquarters. A literal translation of "branch" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "支店"
銀行の支店は駅の近くにあります。
The bank's branch office is near the station.
Bilingual Context for "支社"
彼は大阪支社に転勤になりました。
He was transferred to the Osaka branch office.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行の ＿＿＿ は駅の近くにあります。" (Meaning: "The bank's branch office is near the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支店" fits here because it means "branch office, branch store" in the context of: "The bank's branch office is near the station.". "支社" represents "Branch office".