Japanese Business Glossary

同居, pronounced dokyo in Japanese, refers to cohabitation or living together. This term describes the arrangement where two or more people share the same living space, typically a home or apartment. 同居 can occur among various groups, such as family members, romantic partners, friends, or roommates.

In the context of family, dokyo often refers to multiple generations living under one roof, such as grandparents, parents, and children. This arrangement can have cultural significance, offering benefits like shared responsibilities, financial savings, and strengthened family bonds. However, it can also present challenges related to privacy, space, and differing lifestyles.

In non-family contexts, dokyo is common among students, young professionals, or individuals seeking to reduce living costs by sharing rent and utilities.

検討 (keitou) refers to the process of careful consideration, examination, or review. In a business context, it involves analyzing various aspects of a plan, proposal, or issue to make informed decisions. This process typically includes gathering relevant information, evaluating options, assessing potential outcomes, and discussing the implications.

家族 (kazoku) is the Japanese word for "family." It typically refers to a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, who live together or share a close bond. In Japanese culture, the concept of family is highly valued and can include immediate family members such as parents, children, and siblings, as well as extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

装飾品 (soushokuhin) refers to decorative items or ornaments used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space or an individual. These items can include a wide range of objects such as jewelry, accessories, home décor items, and art pieces. In the context of fashion, soushokuhin encompasses items like necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches that people wear to complement their outfits. In interior design, it includes items like vases, paintings, sculptures, and other decorative objects used to beautify living or working spaces.

催告 (saikoku) refers to a formal notice or demand issued to prompt someone to take a specific action within a set timeframe. This term is often used in legal and business contexts where it is necessary to notify a party about a requirement or obligation that must be fulfilled. For example, in debt collection, a saikoku might be sent to a debtor, demanding payment by a certain date. The purpose of saikoku is to ensure clear communication and provide the recipient with an opportunity to comply with the specified request, thereby avoiding potential legal consequences or further escalation. It serves as a formal reminder and can be an essential step in enforcing contracts, agreements, or legal duties.

場内 (jounai) refers to the inside of a venue or premises, encompassing all areas within a specified location. This term is commonly used in various contexts such as events, sports facilities, theaters, and business settings to indicate all activities, amenities, and spaces within the boundary of the site. For example, at a concert, jounai would include the auditorium, seating areas, concession stands, and any other facilities available to attendees. In a business context, it might refer to all areas within a company's premises, including offices, meeting rooms, and production areas.