Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Core" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "core", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
基幹
きかん (kikan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
コアコンピタンス
コアコンピタンス (koakonpitansu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "core" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 基幹 and コアコンピタンス.
In Japanese, 基幹 (きかん (kikan)) is typically associated with "core; foundation; backbone; key (e.g. industry)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 組織やシステム、産業などにおいて、最も重要で中心となる部分を指します。物事の根幹を成すものです。.
On the other hand, コアコンピタンス (コアコンピタンス (koakonpitansu)) maps to "core competence" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "core" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "基幹"
鉄道は国の基幹産業の一つだ。
Railways are one of the core industries of the country.
Bilingual Context for "コアコンピタンス"
私はコアコンピタンスに興味があります。
I am interested in core competence.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "鉄道は国の ＿＿＿ 産業の一つだ。" (Meaning: "Railways are one of the core industries of the country.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "基幹" fits here because it means "core; foundation; backbone; key (e.g. industry)" in the context of: "Railways are one of the core industries of the country.". "コアコンピタンス" represents "core competence".