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