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
営業
えいぎょう (eigyou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "business" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出張 and 営業.
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, 営業 (えいぎょう (eigyou)) maps to "business, sales, operations (of a business)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the commercial activities of a company, especially sales and marketing. Also used to refer to a business's operating hours. 企業の商品やサービスを販売する活動、または店舗などが開いている時間を示します。. 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 "営業"
この店は午前10時から午後8時まで営業しています。
This store is open from 10 AM to 8 PM.
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.". "営業" represents "business, sales, operations (of a business)".