Translation and Meaning of: 営業 - eigyou

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 営業 (えいぎょう). It is quite common in the corporate environment and in the everyday life of Japanese people, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some curiosities that may help you memorize it. If you want to understand how the Japanese perceive the concept of 営業, keep reading!

What does 営業 (えいぎょう) mean?

The word 営業 can be translated as "business" or "sales," but its meaning is broader. In Japan, it refers to commercial activities, including customer service, prospecting, and maintaining professional relationships. Unlike the English "sales," which focuses only on selling, 営業 encompasses the entire process of building and maintaining business.

An interesting detail is that 営業 is not limited to the corporate world. Restaurants, for example, use signs with 営業中 to indicate that they are open. In this case, the word takes on a meaning closer to "in operation." This flexibility shows how the term is rooted in Japanese culture.

The origin and the kanji of 営業

The composition of 営業 helps to understand its meaning. The first kanji, 営 (ei), is related to "manage" or "operate," while 業 (gyou) refers to "business" or "work." Together, they form the idea of managing commercial activities. This combination is not random – it reflects the importance that the Japanese place on organization and planning in business.

It is worth noting that 営業 is an old word, with records of use since the Edo period. At that time, it was already used to describe trade between feudal domains. With the modernization of Japan, the term adapted to the current business context, but without losing its historical essence.

How is 営業 used in Japan today?

In the Japanese workplace, 営業 is one of the most important areas of companies. Professionals in this field (called 営業マン or 営業ウーマン) are responsible not only for closing deals but also for creating lasting bonds with clients. This relational aspect is so valued that many Japanese people see 営業 as an essential social skill.

Outside the office, the word appears in everyday situations. In addition to the already mentioned "open" signs, you might hear phrases like 営業時間 (business hours) or 営業妨害 (business obstruction). These uses show how the term is part of the basic vocabulary of modern Japanese.

Tips for memorizing 営業

An effective way to remember 営業 is to associate it with practical situations. If you have ever watched a corporate anime or dorama, you have probably heard this word being used by characters in meetings or business lunches. This context helps to remember not only the meaning but also the formal tone in which it usually appears.

Another tip is to pay attention to the radicals of kanji. The 艹 in 営, for example, relates to plants that grow – a metaphor for businesses that expand. Meanwhile, 業 is associated with hard work. These visual clues can be helpful when writing and recognizing the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

営業部門 (Eigyō bumon) - Sales Department
営業活動 (Eigyō katsudō) - Sales activities
営業職 (Eigyō shoku) - Sales profession
営業担当 (Eigyō tantō) - Sales Manager
営業戦略 (Eigyō senryaku) - Sales strategy
営業成績 (Eigyō seiseki) - Sales results
営業利益 (Eigyō rieki) - Operating profit
営業時間 (Eigyō jikan) - Service hours
営業日 (Eigyō bi) - Business day of sales
営業先 (Eigyō saki) - Customers or sales locations
営業展開 (Eigyō tenkai) - Sales breakdown
営業規模 (Eigyō kibo) - Sales scale
営業戦士 (Eigyō senshi) - Sales warrior (metaphorical for determined salespeople)
営業力 (Eigyō ryoku) - Sales power
営業経験 (Eigyō keiken) - Sales experience
営業支援 (Eigyō shien) - Sales support
営業マン (Eigyō man) - Seller (common term for sales representatives)
営業ノウハウ (Eigyō nouhau) - Sales know-how
営業方針 (Eigyō hōshin) - Sales policy
営業戦略会議 (Eigyō senryaku kaigi) - Sales strategy meeting