Translation guide
The English word 'acquisition' covers several distinct meanings: the act of obtaining something, a company purchase, the process of learning a skill or language, and a thing that has been obtained. Japanese uses different words for each of these, and the most natural choice depends heavily on context.
Expressing the act of acquiring, obtaining, or securing something, such as goods, resources, or rights.
The most common and neutral word for 'acquisition' in the sense of obtaining something, especially in formal or business contexts. It can refer to acquiring data, qualifications, property, etc.
資格の取得を目指しています。
I am aiming to acquire a qualification.
データの取得に成功した。
We succeeded in acquiring the data.
Focuses on physically obtaining or getting hold of something, often tangible items or information. Slightly more casual than 取得.
希少な本を入手した。
I got hold of a rare book.
情報を入手する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to obtain the information.
Implies effort or competition in acquiring something, such as a prize, title, or support. Often used for achievements.
金メダルを獲得した。
He won (acquired) the gold medal.
新規顧客の獲得に力を入れている。
We are focusing on acquiring new customers.
Referring to the purchase of one company by another, or the act of taking over a business.
The standard term for a corporate acquisition or buyout. It can be used for both friendly and hostile takeovers.
その会社は大手企業に買収された。
The company was acquired by a major corporation.
買収交渉が進んでいる。
Acquisition negotiations are underway.
The English abbreviation 'M&A' (mergers and acquisitions) is widely used in Japanese business contexts. Often pronounced as エムアンドエー.
M&Aの経験が豊富な弁護士を探しています。
We are looking for a lawyer with extensive M&A experience.
Describing the process of gaining knowledge, language ability, or a skill.
Specifically refers to learning or mastering a skill, language, or technique through study or practice.
言語の習得には時間がかかる。
Language acquisition takes time.
新しい技術の習得に励んでいる。
I am working hard on acquiring new skills.
Can also be used for acquiring skills or knowledge, but often implies a more active or competitive effort, similar to 'gain'.
A very common and natural phrase meaning 'to acquire' a skill or habit, literally 'to attach to oneself'. It emphasizes making something your own.
Referring to the item or asset that was obtained, such as a new possession or a purchased company.
A formal term for an acquired item or asset. Often used in legal or business contexts.
取得物の所有権を確認する。
Confirm the ownership of the acquisition.
Refers specifically to the company that has been acquired (the target of an acquisition).
買収先の企業文化を尊重する。
Respect the corporate culture of the acquired company.
A casual, roundabout way to say 'something newly acquired'. Not a direct translation but conveys the idea naturally in conversation.
これが新しく手に入れたものです。
This is my new acquisition.
These three words all mean 'acquisition' but differ in nuance. 取得 (しゅとく) is the most general and formal, often used for rights, data, or qualifications. 入手 (にゅうしゅ) emphasizes physically getting something, often tangible. 獲得 (かくとく) implies effort or competition, like winning a prize or gaining customers. Choose based on what is being acquired and the context.
The direct loanword アクイジション is rarely used in Japanese and sounds unnatural. It is only understood in very specific financial contexts (like 'acquisition finance'), but even then, 買収 or M&A are preferred. Avoid using it.
Explicitly means 'corporate acquisition'. Used when you need to be clear that it's a company being bought.
企業買収の専門家を雇った。
We hired a specialist in corporate acquisitions.
実践的な知識を獲得する。
To acquire practical knowledge.
英語を身につけたい。
I want to acquire English (skills).
良い習慣を身につけることは大切だ。
It's important to acquire good habits.