Guide: How to Say “Company” in Japanese

Gaining proficiency in a foreign language can be a fascinating adventure. And if you want to learn Japanese, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common vocabulary, such as how to say “company.” In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to express this term in Japanese, including formal and informal variations. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Company” in Japanese

If you wish to convey a sense of formality or politeness, the formal expressions below will prove useful:

1. 1. 会社 (Kaisha) – This is the most commonly used word for “company” in Japanese. It encompasses various types of businesses, from small local firms to large corporations. For instance, if you want to refer to a specific company like Toyota, simply say “Toyota no kaisha.”
2. 2. 企業 (Kigyo) – This term has a broader scope and implies a more significant and established company. It often refers to large-scale enterprises, multinational corporations or conglomerates.
3. 3. 商社 (Shosha) – This term specifically refers to trading companies, which are typically involved in various international trades.

Informal Ways to Say “Company” in Japanese

For casual conversations or when speaking with close friends, you can rely on these more informal expressions:

1. 1. 会 (Kai) – Using just the character “kai” can be both convenient and informal. While it may seem too concise, it can still carry the meaning of “company” in context.
2. 2. 会社 (Kaijo) – This casual abbreviation maintains the meaning of “company.” Though it is less formal, it is still commonly used in everyday conversations.
3. 3. 会社さん (Kaisha-san) – Adding the honorific “-san” to “kaisha” transforms it into a friendly term. This expression is often used to refer to someone’s workplace in a lighthearted manner.

Examples and Usage Tips

Understanding the usage of these terms is crucial, so here are some examples to help you grasp their meanings and contexts:

Example 1:

“私の会社は日本の自動車メーカーです。”
(Watashi no kaisha wa Nihon no jidōsha mēkā desu.)
Translation: “My company is a Japanese car manufacturer.”

Example 2:

“有名な企業に就職したい。”
(Yūmei na kigyo ni shūshoku shitai.)
Translation: “I want to get a job at a famous company.”

Example 3:

“この会にはたくさんの人が参加します。”
(Kono kai ni wa takusan no hito ga sanka shimasu.)
Translation: “Many people will attend this event.”

Example 4:

“今日は会社さんのお祭りですよ！”
(Kyō wa kaisha-san no omatsuri desu yo!)
Translation: “Today is a festival at our company!”

Wrapping Up

Congratulations on completing this guide on how to say “company” in Japanese. Now you are equipped with different ways to express this term, both formally and informally. Remember to use formal expressions in professional contexts, and feel free to use informal expressions when speaking with friends or in casual conversations. Keep practicing and incorporating these phrases into your Japanese vocabulary, and you’ll soon find yourself confidently conversing about various businesses and companies in Japanese!