Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Industry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "industry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
産業
さんぎょう (sangyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
工業
こうぎょう (kougyou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "industry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 産業 and 工業.
In Japanese, 産業 (さんぎょう (sangyō)) is typically associated with "industry" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to industries or economic sectors that produce goods or services.
On the other hand, 工業 (こうぎょう (kougyou)) maps to "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！』. A literal translation of "industry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "産業"
自動車製造などの工業や情報通信技術は、現代社会における国の経済成長を強力に牽引する主要な_______です。
Industries such as automobile manufacturing and information communication technology are major industries that powerfully lead the economic growth of the country in modern society.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "自動車製造などの工業や情報通信技術は、現代社会における国の経済成長を強力に牽引する主要な_______です。" (Meaning: "Industries such as automobile manufacturing and information communication technology are major industries that powerfully lead the economic growth of the country in modern society.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "産業" fits here because it means "industry" in the context of: "Industries such as automobile manufacturing and information communication technology are major industries that powerfully lead the economic growth of the country in modern society.". "工業" represents "industry; manufacturing industry".