Translation guide
A person or company that runs a business. In Japanese, the term depends on the type of business, legal structure, and context.
Referring to any person or entity that operates a business, regardless of size or legal form.
The most common and neutral term for a business operator, used in legal, administrative, and general contexts. Covers both individuals and companies.
この法律はすべての事業者に適用されます。
This law applies to all business operators.
事業者の皆様へのお知らせです。
This is a notice for business operators.
Emphasizes the person who manages or runs the business. Often used for owners or top executives.
彼は小さなレストランの経営者です。
He is the operator of a small restaurant.
Refers to a business enterprise or corporation. More formal and often used for larger companies.
この地域には多くの中小企業があります。
There are many small and medium-sized business operators in this area.
Specifically referring to a person who owns and runs their own business, often without incorporation.
The standard legal term for a sole proprietor. Used in tax and registration contexts.
個人事業主として開業しました。
I started a business as a sole proprietor.
A self-employed person. More colloquial than 個人事業主, often used for small shop owners or freelancers.
Referring to a legally incorporated business entity.
The most common word for a company. Can be used for any incorporated business.
彼はIT会社を経営しています。
He runs an IT company.
A legal term for a corporation or juridical person. Used in official documents.
Referring to someone who runs a small retail shop or local business.
A shop owner or storekeeper. Common for small retail businesses.
商店主たちが集まって組合を作りました。
The shopkeepers gathered and formed an association.
A store owner or shopkeeper. Slightly more casual than 商店主.
事業者 is the broadest term, covering any entity engaged in business. 経営者 focuses on the person managing the business. 企業 refers to the enterprise itself, often implying a certain scale.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'business operator' in all contexts. Choose the term based on the specific nuance: legal status, size, or role.
父は自営業者で、町の電気屋をやっています。
My father is a self-employed business operator, running an electronics shop in town.
この契約は法人として締結します。
This contract is concluded as a corporation.
The operator of that shop is very kind.