Japanese meaning of 商売繁盛
Reading:
しょうばいはんじょう (shoubai hanjou)
English Translation:
Prosperous business
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Commercial prosperity: brisk sales, steady customers, healthy cash flow, and a thriving shop or venture.
Cultural Context:
Invoked in New Year prayers and local festivals; linked to deities like Ebisu/Daikokuten, talismans, and market fairs (e.g., Tōka-Ebisu, Tori-no-Ichi).
商いが繁盛し、売上・来客・資金繰りが好調で事業が活気づくこと。
正月の祈願や地域祭礼で唱えられ、恵比寿・大黒天、熊手・お札、十日戎・酉の市など商売の神事・縁起物と深く結びつく。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “を祈る” or “の店” to describe business prosperity (“商売繁盛を祈願する”).
• Common in commerce and New Year traditions.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be confused as already-successful business, but it can also express a *wish* for prosperity.
Example
Basic Example
新年の初売りは商売繁盛だった。
The New Year’s sale was a great success.
Applied Example
ゲームセンターのクレーンゲームが激アツで、商売繁盛間違いなしだ。
The arcade’s crane games were on fire today—prosperous business guaranteed.