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
営業
えいぎょう (eigyou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "business" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 景気 and 営業.
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, 営業 (えいぎょう (eigyou)) maps to "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。. 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 "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.
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.". "営業" represents "business, sales, operations (of a business)".