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
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 営業 and 営業時間.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "営業時間" represents "business hours, opening hours".