Translation and Meaning of: 経営 - keiei

The Japanese word 経営[けいえい] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand the world of business and management in Japan. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, carrying cultural and historical nuances that reflect the way the Japanese perceive management. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that may aid in learning.

Meaning and use of 経営[けいえい]

Keiei [経営] can be translated as "management" or "istration," but its meaning is broader. It refers to the act of managing a company, organization, or even a project, covering everything from strategic decisions to resource control. In Japan, this word is strongly associated with the idea of responsibility and efficiency, fundamental values in the local business culture.

Unlike like 管理[かんり] (which refers more to control or supervision), 経営[けいえい] has a broader and more strategic meaning. It is common to see this word in contexts like 経営者[けいえいしゃ] (entrepreneur or manager) or 経営戦略[けいえいせんりゃく] (business strategy). Its use is frequent in corporate discussions and even in economic news.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 経営[けいえい] is composed of two kanji: 経 (which can mean "to manage," "to through," or "longitude") and 営 (which relates to "to operate," "business," or "camp"). Together, they form a term that carries the idea of leading or managing something in a continuous manner. This combination is not random—it reflects the importance given to methodical and planned management in the Japanese context.

It is interesting to note that the kanji 経 also appears in words like 経済[けいざい] (economy) and 経験[けいけん] (experience), showing its connection to concepts of organization and trajectory. On the other hand, 営 is used in like 営業[えいぎょう] (sales or business operations), reinforcing its connection with business activities.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An efficient way to memorize 経営[けいえい] is to associate it with practical situations. For example, think of a company being "guided" (経) by a "business" (営). This mental image can help reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like 彼は会社を経営している (He manages a company) to contextualize its usage.

In Japan, the word 経営[けいえい] is often used in discussions about business innovation and sustainability. Companies like Toyota and Sony are known for their 経営[けいえい] models, which often serve as global references. This term also appears in books and articles about Japanese management philosophy, highlighting its cultural relevance.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 経営 (Keiei) - Business management; istration of a company.
• マネジメント (Manejimento) - Management; focus on management techniques and processes.
• 経營 (Keieig) - istration; more focused on commercial operations.
• ビジネス (Bijinesu) - Business; general term for commercial activities.
• 管理 (Kanri) - Management; encomes supervision and control of operations.
• 企業経営 (Kigyō Keiei) - Business management; focus on management at the corporate level.