Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Business" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "business", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
景気
けいき (keiki)
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 景気 and 名刺.
In Japanese, 景気 (けいき (keiki)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "最近、 ＿＿＿ が悪いので、みんな困っている。" (Meaning: "The economy has been bad recently, so everyone is having trouble.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "景気" fits here because it means "business conditions, economic climate" in the context of: "The economy has been bad recently, so everyone is having trouble.". "名刺" represents "business card".