Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Business" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "business", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
出張
しゅっちょう (shutchō)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
名刺
めいし (meishi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "business" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出張 and 名刺.
In Japanese, 出張 (しゅっちょう (shutchō)) is typically associated with "business trip" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A trip taken for business purposes, often to another city or country. Used with する.
On the other hand, 名刺 (めいし (meishi)) maps to "business card" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Essential for business etiquette in Japan. Exchanging 'meishi' is a formal and common practice when meeting someone for the first time in a professional context.. A literal translation of "business" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "出張"
部長は来週、大阪へ出張します。
The department head will go on a business trip to Osaka next week.
Bilingual Context for "名刺"
新しい取引先と名刺を交換した。
I exchanged business cards with a new client.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部長は来週、大阪へ ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "The department head will go on a business trip to Osaka next week.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "出張" fits here because it means "business trip" in the context of: "The department head will go on a business trip to Osaka next week.". "名刺" represents "business card".