Translation guide
How to refer to an online store in Japanese, from general terms to specific platform names.
Referring to any store that sells goods or services online.
The most direct and widely understood term for an online store. Used in business and casual contexts.
このオンラインストアで買い物をしたことがありますか。
Have you ever shopped at this online store?
A very common, slightly more casual term. 'Net shop' is widely used in everyday conversation.
新しいネットショップをオープンしました。
I opened a new online store.
Short for 'mail-order site'. Emphasizes the mail-order aspect, often used for sites that ship physical goods.
この通販サイトは送料が無料です。
This online store offers free shipping.
Business/technical term for 'e-commerce site'. Common in industry contexts but less so in daily conversation.
当社はECサイトの構築を支援しています。
We support the development of online stores.
Referring to a well-known online marketplace or store by name.
In Japanese, it's natural to refer to major platforms by their brand names, just like in English. Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, etc.
アマゾンで買った。
I bought it on Amazon.
楽天市場で探してみて。
Try searching on Rakuten Ichiba.
Referring to a company's own branded online store, not a marketplace.
Means 'official online store'. Used when a brand has its own direct sales site.
アップルの公式オンラインストアで購入しました。
I bought it from Apple's official online store.
Business term meaning 'in-house e-commerce site'. Used in corporate contexts.
自社ECサイトの売上が伸びています。
Sales on our own online store are growing.
All three are common. オンラインストア is the safest, most neutral choice. ネットショップ is slightly more casual and very common in everyday speech. 通販サイト emphasizes the mail-order aspect and is often used for sites that ship physical products. ECサイト is technical jargon.
ネットショップを始めたいんですけど、何から始めればいいですか？
I want to start an online store, what should I do first?