How to say "advertising" in Japanese

• 広告こうこくJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers the advertisement itself — a notice, poster, or commercial that you see or place — and advertising as a commercial activity; think of the ads rather than the act of promoting.
  その商品しょうひんはテレビで広告こうこくされた。↗

  The goods were advertised on TV.
• 宣伝せんでんJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbPoints to advertising as the act of publicizing or promoting something so that people get to know it — spreading the word about a product, show, or cause; it also takes in publicity and propaganda.
  その商品しょうひんはテレビで宣伝せんでんされている。↗

  The goods are advertised on TV.

Use 広告 for the advertisements themselves and for advertising as a commercial field; use 宣伝 for the act of publicizing or promoting something to get it noticed, which also covers publicity and propaganda.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 広告こうこくadvertisement
• 宣伝せんでんpublicity
• アドバタイジングadvertising