貿易

• Reading: ぼうえき
• Romaji: boueki
• Kanji breakdown: 貿 (bou) — trade, exchange; 易 (eki) — easy, exchange, divination
• Pronunciation: /boː.e.ki/

Meaning

Foreign trade; international commerce. The import and export of goods between countries.

Functions as a noun or する verb (貿易する). 貿易会社 (boueki gaisha) is a trading company. As an island nation with few natural resources, Japan relies heavily on 貿易, making this word common in news and business contexts.

Examples

1. 日本は多くの国と貿易をしています。 Japan trades with many countries.
2. 兄は貿易会社で働いています。 My older brother works at a trading company.
3. 貿易によって色々な商品が手に入ります。 Various products are available through trade.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economics, international relations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 貿 (bou, trade/exchange) and 易 (eki, exchange/easy). Both kanji relate to exchange, emphasizing the two-way nature of international commerce.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal