Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Commission" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "commission", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
歩合
ぶあい (buai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
嘱託
しょくたく (shokutaku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "commission" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 歩合 and 嘱託.
In Japanese, 歩合 (ぶあい (buai)) is typically associated with "commission; percentage; proportion" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in business contexts, especially when discussing compensation or sales. It refers to a percentage or proportion of earnings based on performance..
On the other hand, 嘱託 (しょくたく (shokutaku)) maps to "commission; entrusting; part-time (employment)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Can refer to entrusting someone with a task, or more commonly in modern usage, to a form of employment. A literal translation of "commission" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "歩合"
彼は販売成績に応じて歩合を受け取ります。
He receives a commission based on his sales performance.
Bilingual Context for "嘱託"
彼は定年後も嘱託として会社に残った。
He remained with the company as a contract employee after retirement.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は販売成績に応じて ＿＿＿ を受け取ります。" (Meaning: "He receives a commission based on his sales performance.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "歩合" fits here because it means "commission; percentage; proportion" in the context of: "He receives a commission based on his sales performance.". "嘱託" represents "commission; entrusting; part-time (employment)".