Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Business" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "business", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
名刺
めいし (meishi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
営業時間
えいぎょうじかん (eigyo jikan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "business" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 名刺 and 営業時間.
In Japanese, 名刺 (めいし (meishi)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 営業時間 (えいぎょうじかん (eigyo jikan)) maps to "business hours, opening hours" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A specific term referring to the hours a store, facility, or business is open and operating for customers.. A literal translation of "business" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "営業時間"
このデパートの営業時間は午前10時から午後8時までです。
This department store's business hours are from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しい取引先と ＿＿＿ を交換した。" (Meaning: "I exchanged business cards with a new client.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "名刺" fits here because it means "business card" in the context of: "I exchanged business cards with a new client.". "営業時間" represents "business hours, opening hours".