Japanese · Work & Business
会社
kaisha
Company / Firm
Beginnernoun
Definition
A commercial business organization. Japanese company culture (kaisha bunka) is distinctive, characterized by group harmony, seniority, and loyalty.
Example
彼は大きな会社に勤めています。
He works at a large company.
Etymology
The word '会社' (kaisha) combines '会' (kai), meaning 'meeting' or 'association,' and '社' (sha), meaning 'shrine' or 'company.' It became widely used during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) as Japan modernized its economy.
How & Where It’s Used
'会社' is predominantly used in formal written and spoken contexts related to business. It is universally understood across all Japanese regions and social classes.