Translation guide
A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice in a particular area. In Japanese, the English loanword コンサルタント is common, but native terms like 顧問 (advisor) and 相談役 (counselor) are also used depending on the context. This guide covers how to express the idea of a consultant in various business and professional settings.
To refer to a person who gives expert advice in a professional context, such as business, management, or IT.
The most direct and widely understood term for a consultant in modern Japanese. Used in business, IT, management, and other fields. Often abbreviated to コンサル in casual speech.
彼はITコンサルタントとして働いています。
He works as an IT consultant.
経営コンサルタントに相談してみませんか。
Why don't we consult a management consultant?
Refers to an advisor or consultant, often with a formal or ongoing relationship with a company. Can be a part-time or honorary position. Common in legal, financial, or corporate settings.
彼は会社の法律顧問です。
He is the company's legal consultant.
Literally 'counselor' or 'advisor'. Often a senior figure in a company who provides guidance but may not have executive power. More common in traditional Japanese corporate structures.
彼は会長を退任後、相談役に就任した。
After retiring as chairman, he became a senior advisor.
To describe a consultant brought in from outside the organization for a specific project or expertise.
Specifies an external consultant, as opposed to an in-house advisor. Commonly used in business contexts.
このプロジェクトには外部コンサルタントを雇う予定です。
We plan to hire an external consultant for this project.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'to bring in a consultant'. コンサル is a common abbreviation for コンサルタント.
業務改善のためにコンサルを入れた。
We brought in a consultant to improve our operations.
To refer to a consultant-like role within a company, often held by a senior employee or former executive.
An internal consultant, someone who provides advisory services within the same organization.
彼女は社内コンサルタントとして各部署を支援している。
She supports various departments as an internal consultant.
A corporate title for a senior advisor or counselor, often with a strategic role. Less common than 顧問 and typically found in larger, traditional companies.
彼は取締役を退き、参与として残った。
He stepped down as director and remained as a senior advisor.
To specify a consultant in a non-business field, such as healthcare or education.
A general term for a specialist consultant or counselor, often used in public services, healthcare, or education.
子育ての専門相談員に話を聞いてもらった。
I consulted a childcare specialist consultant.
Often used for psychological, educational, or career consultants. While it translates to 'counselor', it overlaps with 'consultant' in contexts like guidance or therapy.
進路のことでカウンセラーに相談した。
I consulted a career counselor about my future path.
コンサルタント is a general term for a professional consultant, often from outside the company. 顧問 is an advisor, usually with a formal, ongoing relationship, and can be internal or external. 相談役 is a senior advisory role, often honorary, within a traditional Japanese company. Use コンサルタント for most modern business contexts.
彼は経営コンサルタントです。
He is a management consultant.
彼は当社の法律顧問です。
He is our company's legal advisor.
彼は相談役として会議に出席した。
He attended the meeting as a senior advisor.
In casual conversation, simply saying コンサルタント might sound overly formal or vague. Instead, specify the field or use a more natural phrase like 〜の専門家 (expert in ~) if you mean someone who gives advice informally.
彼はマーケティングの専門家だ。
He's a marketing expert (consultant).