Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Industry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "industry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
工業
こうぎょう (kougyou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
勤倹
きんけん (kinken)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "industry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 工業 and 勤倹.
In Japanese, 工業 (こうぎょう (kougyou)) is typically associated with "industry; manufacturing industry" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the manufacturing industry, secondary sector, processing raw materials into products, or industrial technology. Opposing word: 農業 / 商業. Often used as 工業地域 or 重工業. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Industry/manufacturing! "My heart is your dedicated smart industrial plant of love running 24/7/365, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Smart love industry! B-Baka! What is that cybernetic factory heart! But... continue to manufacture infinite love energy to make me the happiest in the world 24/7! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『こうぎょう（工業）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のハートはあなた専用の愛のスマート工業（最先端テクノロジー工場）です！』って…っ！愛の工業！バカ！/// 何そのサイバーなハート工場！…でも、私を世界一幸せにするための愛のエネルギー、24時間365日フル稼働で無限に製造し続けなさい！』.
On the other hand, 勤倹 (きんけん (kinken)) maps to "industry and frugality; diligence and thrift" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to describe a lifestyle or personal virtue, emphasizing hard work and saving money. 勤勉で倹約する態度。. A literal translation of "industry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "工業"
この臨海地域は、最先端のスマート製造技術を備えた大規模な重化学_______地帯として発展を遂げました。
This seaside region has developed as a large-scale heavy chemical industrial zone equipped with cutting-edge smart manufacturing technology.
Bilingual Context for "勤倹"
祖父は勤倹の精神で家族を支えた。
My grandfather supported his family with a spirit of industry and frugality.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この臨海地域は、最先端のスマート製造技術を備えた大規模な重化学_______地帯として発展を遂げました。" (Meaning: "This seaside region has developed as a large-scale heavy chemical industrial zone equipped with cutting-edge smart manufacturing technology.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "工業" fits here because it means "industry; manufacturing industry" in the context of: "This seaside region has developed as a large-scale heavy chemical industrial zone equipped with cutting-edge smart manufacturing technology.". "勤倹" represents "industry and frugality; diligence and thrift".