How to say "undertaking" in Japanese

• 請負うけおいCommon
  nounCovers 'undertaking' only in the sense of contract work — taking on a job under contract. For a task or venture in general, this is seldom the word you want.
• 引き受けひきうけCommon
  nounThe 'undertaking' of accepting or taking something on: a duty, task, or liability one agrees to bear. Its other senses, underwriting and acceptance, belong to finance and commerce.
  私はその重おもい責任せきにんを引き受ひきうけたくはない。↗

  I don't like to take on the heavy responsibilities.
• 企てくわだてCommon
  nounCovers 'undertaking' in the sense of a plan, project, or attempt; because 'plot' is also among its senses, it can carry a whiff of scheming.
  私達わたしたちは彼かれの大胆だいたんな企くわだてに舌したを巻まいた。↗

  We marveled at his bold attempt.
• 事業じぎょうJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers 'undertaking' as an organized enterprise or project, often with business or social aims. Use this when the English word means a venture or concern rather than a one-off task.
  彼女かのじょは社会しゃかい福祉ふくし事業じぎょうに従事じゅうじしている。↗

  She is engaged in social work.

Choose 請負 for work taken on under contract, 「引き受け」 for accepting a task or responsibility, 「企て」 for a planned venture or attempt that can shade into a scheme, and 事業 for an organized enterprise or project.

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

• 請負うけおいcontract (for work)
• 引き受けひきうけundertaking
• 企てくわだてplan
• お引き受けおひきうけundertaking
• 事業じぎょう(social) project