Japanese Business Glossary

非営利 (hieiri) is a Japanese term that means "nonprofit" or "not-for-profit." It refers to organizations or activities that are not conducted for the purpose of generating profit for owners or shareholders. Instead, these organizations focus on achieving specific social, educational, cultural, or charitable objectives.

Nonprofit organizations, known as 非営利組織 (hieiri soshiki), can include charities, foundations, educational institutions, and various community groups. Their revenues are typically reinvested into the organization to further their mission rather than distributed as profits.

相違 (soui) is a Japanese term that means "difference" or "discrepancy." It is used to describe variations or distinctions between two or more items, concepts, or situations. For example, when comparing two documents, one might point out the 相違点 (soui ten), meaning "points of difference." The term can apply to a wide range of contexts, such as differences in opinions, measurements, or characteristics. Recognizing and addressing soui is important in discussions, negotiations, and analyses to ensure clarity and understanding between parties. Understanding these differences can help in making informed decisions and resolving conflicts.

滋養 (jiyo) is a Japanese term that means "nourishment" or "nutrition." It refers to the substances or factors that provide essential nutrients to the body, promoting health, growth, and overall well-being. Foods rich in jiyo, such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, are crucial for maintaining bodily functions and preventing illnesses. In a broader sense, jiyo can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that contributes to the enrichment or enhancement of life, such as emotional support, education, or cultural experiences.

必需品 (hitsujuhin) is a Japanese term that means "necessities" or "essential items." It refers to goods and products that are considered essential for daily living and well-being. These items typically include food, clothing, water, shelter, and basic household supplies.

Hitsujuhin are fundamental to meeting basic human needs and maintaining a standard quality of life. In times of emergency or crisis, ensuring access to hitsujuhin becomes even more critical.

デリバティブ取引 (deribateibu torihiki) refers to "derivative trading" in Japanese. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from the performance of underlying assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, or market indexes.

In derivative trading, investors engage in contracts like futures, options, swaps, and forwards to speculate on or hedge against changes in the value of these underlying assets. This type of trading can provide opportunities for significant profits but also involves considerable risk due to the leverage and complexity of the instruments.

営業 (eigyou) is a Japanese term that translates to "business" or "sales." It encompasses activities related to the operation and management of a business, particularly those focused on generating revenue and building customer relationships.

In a corporate context, eigyou typically involves tasks such as promoting products or services, negotiating deals, managing client accounts, and providing customer service. The eigyou department plays a vital role in driving a company's growth and profitability by identifying market opportunities, understanding customer needs, and effectively communicating the value of the company's offerings.