Translation guide
The English word "sale" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. This guide breaks them down by meaning: selling something, a special discount event, and the act of selling in a business context.
その店はセールをしています。
The store is having a sale.
先月売上が伸びました。
Sales increased last month.
To express the act of selling goods or services.
The most common and general term for 'selling' or 'sales' as a business activity. Used for both products and services.
この商品の販売は終了しました。
The sale of this product has ended.
新製品の販売を開始します。
We will start selling the new product.
Refers to selling off assets like property, stocks, or a business. More formal and often implies disposal.
彼は家を売却した。
He sold his house.
The basic verb 'to sell'. Used in everyday conversation, but 販売 is more common for business contexts.
この店では何を売っていますか？
What do you sell at this store?
To refer to a promotional event where items are sold at reduced prices.
The most direct equivalent for a 'sale' as a discount event. Used widely in stores and online.
今週末に大きなセールがあります。
There's a big sale this weekend.
この服はセールで買いました。
I bought these clothes on sale.
Often implies a clearance sale or a bargain sale, especially for clothing. 'バーゲンセール' is also common.
A special sale, often for a limited time or on specific items, like at a supermarket.
A grand sale or clearance event, often with a festive atmosphere. Less common in modern usage.
To refer to the sales department of a company or the revenue generated from selling.
Refers to the sales department or sales activities in a company. Also means business operations.
彼は営業部で働いています。
He works in the sales department.
営業成績が上がった。
Sales performance improved.
Specifically means sales revenue or turnover. Used in financial contexts.
Can also refer to sales as a function, but 営業 is more common for the department.
セール only means a discount event. To say 'the sale of goods', use 販売 (はんばい). Saying グッズのセール would mean 'a sale on goods' (discount), not 'the selling of goods'.
営業 (えいぎょう) refers to the broader sales activities and department, while 販売 (はんばい) is the act of selling products. Use 営業部 for 'sales department' and 販売 for 'selling products'.
ここではアルコールの販売は禁止されています。
The sale of alcohol is prohibited here.
このジャケットはセールで買った。
I got this jacket on sale.
デパートのバーゲンに行ってきた。
I went to the department store bargain sale.
今日は卵が特売だ。
Eggs are on special sale today.
商店街で大売り出しをやっている。
The shopping street is having a big sale.
今月の売上は前年比10%増です。
This month's sales are up 10% year-on-year.
販売戦略を練る。
To devise a sales strategy.