Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'business partner' depends on the relationship and context. Common terms include 取引先 (torihikisaki) for a client/supplier you do business with, ビジネスパートナー (bijinesu pātonā) for a more equal collaborative partner, and 共同経営者 (kyōdō keieisha) for a co-owner. The choice reflects the nature of the partnership.
A company or individual with whom you have ongoing business transactions, such as a client, customer, or supplier.
The most common and neutral term for a business partner in the sense of a client, customer, or supplier with whom you have transactions. It emphasizes the transactional relationship.
当社の主要な取引先は海外にもあります。
Our major business partners are also overseas.
新しい取引先を探しています。
We are looking for new business partners.
Similar to 取引先 but slightly more personal, emphasizing the other party in a transaction. Can be used for individuals or companies.
信頼できる取引相手を見つけるのは難しい。
It's difficult to find a trustworthy business partner.
A loanword from English, often used for a more equal, collaborative business relationship, such as in joint ventures or strategic alliances. It can sound more modern and less transactional.
彼は私のビジネスパートナーです。
He is my business partner.
A person who shares ownership and management of a business, or a company that collaborates on a joint project.
Specifically refers to a co-owner or co-manager of a business. It implies shared responsibility and equity.
彼は私の共同経営者です。
He is my business partner (co-owner).
A shortened form of ビジネスパートナー, often used in casual business contexts to refer to a co-owner or close collaborator. Can be ambiguous without context.
彼は会社のパートナーです。
He is a partner in the company.
Used specifically for a joint venture partner. Common in international business contexts.
中国の合弁相手を探しています。
We are looking for a joint venture partner in China.
A company or organization you collaborate with on specific projects or long-term strategies, without necessarily sharing ownership.
Refers to a partner in a business alliance or tie-up. Emphasizes cooperation rather than just transactions.
新しい提携先と契約を結びました。
We signed a contract with a new business partner (alliance partner).
Literally 'cooperating company', used for a partner company that collaborates on projects, often in manufacturing or construction.
このプロジェクトでは複数の協力会社と連携しています。
We are collaborating with several partner companies on this project.
取引先 is the standard term for any company you do business with, focusing on transactions. ビジネスパートナー implies a more equal, collaborative relationship, often used in modern or international contexts. If you want to emphasize co-ownership, use 共同経営者.
Directly translating 'business partner' as ビジネスパートナー may not always be appropriate. In many traditional Japanese business settings, 取引先 is more natural and expected. Using ビジネスパートナー might sound overly casual or foreign.