Translation guide
The English word 'sales' can refer to the activity of selling, the department or job, or a specific event where items are discounted. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the general act of selling, revenue from selling, or the commercial function.
The most common and neutral term for 'sales' as the act of selling goods or services. Used in business contexts.
新製品の販売を開始しました。
We started sales of the new product.
販売戦略を見直す必要がある。
We need to review our sales strategy.
Specifically refers to sales revenue or turnover. Use this when talking about the monetary amount of sales.
Refers to sales operations or the sales department. Often used for the function of selling and business development.
Loanword from English, often used in job titles or specific sales activities like door-to-door sales. Slightly narrower than 販売.
Referring to the sales division within a company.
The standard term for 'sales department'.
営業部に配属されました。
I was assigned to the sales department.
Also means 'sales department', but less common than 営業部. Sometimes used in retail contexts.
Referring to a sale event, clearance, or special promotion.
The most common term for a sale event with discounts. Used in retail.
デパートでバーゲンセールをやっている。
The department store is having a bargain sale.
夏のセールで服を買った。
I bought clothes at the summer sale.
Refers to a special sale or promotion, often at supermarkets. Implies limited-time discounts.
From 'bargain', often used for seasonal clearance sales, especially for clothing.
A traditional term for a sale or special offer, often used by local shops.
Referring to sales volume or units sold.
Literally 'sales number', used for the quantity of items sold.
この商品の販売数は伸びている。
Sales of this product are growing.
Refers to how well a product is selling, i.e., sales trend.
新作の売れ行きが好調だ。
Sales of the new product are strong.
販売 (hanbai) is the general act of selling. 営業 (eigyou) often refers to sales operations or the department. 売上 (uriage) is specifically sales revenue. Use 売上 when talking about money.
セール (sēru) means a discount sale event. It is not used for the business function of selling. For that, use 販売 or 営業.
今月の売上は先月より10%増えました。
This month's sales increased by 10% compared to last month.
売上目標を達成する。
Achieve the sales target.
彼は営業部で働いています。
He works in the sales department.
営業時間は午前9時から午後5時までです。
Business hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
セールスの仕事は大変だ。
Sales jobs are tough.
販売部の会議に出席する。
Attend the sales department meeting.
今日は卵の特売日だ。
Today is the special sale day for eggs.
バーゲンで半額になった。
It became half-price at the bargain sale.
商店街で売り出しがある。
There's a sale at the shopping street.