Meaning and Usage
"広告" (こうこく) means "advertisement" or "commercial" in Japanese. It refers to promotional content designed to inform or persuade people about products, services, or events.
Common Contexts
You will often see "広告" in contexts related to marketing, media, and business. It can refer to TV commercials, magazine ads, online banners, or any form of public promotion.
Collocations and Patterns
- 広告を出す: to place or publish an advertisement
- 広告を見る: to see an advertisement
- 広告費: advertising expenses or budget
- 広告代理店: advertising agency
Register and Nuance
"広告" is a neutral and formal noun used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is appropriate in business settings and everyday conversation when discussing ads.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "広告" with "宣伝" (せんでん), which also means "advertisement" or "promotion." "宣伝" often emphasizes spreading information or publicity, while "広告" usually refers to paid advertisements. Use "広告" when talking about specific ads or marketing materials.