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
景気
けいき (keiki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "business" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出張 and 景気.
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, 景気 (けいき (keiki)) maps to "business conditions, economic climate" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the overall state of the economy or business activity. Often used with adjectives like 良い. 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 "景気"
最近、景気が悪いので、みんな困っている。
The economy has been bad recently, so everyone is having trouble.
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.". "景気" represents "business conditions, economic climate".