Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Business" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "business", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
営業
えいぎょう (eigyou)
N3 / 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 営業 and 名刺.
In Japanese, 営業 (えいぎょう (eigyou)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "この店は午前10時から午後8時まで ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "This store is open from 10 AM to 8 PM.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "営業" fits here because it means "business, sales, operations (of a business)" in the context of: "This store is open from 10 AM to 8 PM.". "名刺" represents "business card".