How to say "civil" in Japanese

• 丁寧ていねいJLPT N4approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers the courteous sense of 'civil': polite and respectful in speech or behavior rather than rude. Typical when describing how someone speaks to customers, strangers, or superiors.
• 民間みんかんJLPT N2approx.Common
  no-adjectiveCovers the sense of 'civil' meaning non-governmental or civilian: private rather than official or military. Used for companies, organizations, or sectors operating outside government control.
  合衆国がっしゅうこくでは２億１６００万におくいちろくれいれいまん丁ちょうもの鉄砲てっぽう類るいが、民間みんかんの手てにあるという。↗

  In the U.S., as many as 216 million firearms are said to be in private hands.

Use 丁寧 for the courtesy sense of 'civil' (polite rather than rude in manner), and 民間 for the sense meaning private, civilian, or non-governmental, as opposed to official or military.

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

• 丁寧ていねいpolite
• 民間みんかんprivate
• シビルcivil
• 民事上みんじじょうcivil
• 民事的みんじてきcivil
• 慇懃いんぎんpolite
• ご丁寧ごていねいpolite