A multinational corporation is a business that operates globally across multiple national borders.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A large company operating in multiple countries.
- Known for global production and sales networks.
- Key driver of international trade and economy.
Overview
- 1概述：跨国公司（Multinational Corporation, MNC）是全球经济一体化的核心驱动力。它们不仅在母国运营，还在海外建立生产基地或销售网络，通过全球资源配置来降低成本并占领国际市场。2) 使用习惯：在书面语和商务语境中，常直接称为“跨国公司”或“跨国企业”。在讨论经济新闻、就业机会或全球化议题时，该词出现的频率极高。3) 常见场景：常用于新闻报道（如“苹果是一家知名的跨国公司”）、求职语境（如“我想去跨国公司工作”）以及经济分析报告中。4) 近义词辨析：与“大型企业”相比，跨国公司强调的是地理分布的广泛性；与“外企”相比，跨国公司侧重于其全球战略布局，而“外企”通常指相对于所在国而言的外国资本企业。
Examples
许多跨国公司都在上海设立了办事处。
everydayMany multinational corporations have set up offices in Shanghai.
该跨国企业已制定了全球扩张战略。
formalThe multinational enterprise has developed a global expansion strategy.
她想去一家跨国公司实习。
informalShe wants to intern at a multinational corporation.
跨国公司对发展中国家的经济增长具有显著影响。
academicMultinational corporations have a significant impact on the economic growth of developing countries.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
跨国公司总部
Headquarters of a multinational corporation
跨国公司文化
Corporate culture of an MNC
进入跨国公司
Get into a multinational corporation
Often Confused With
Refers to the size of a company regardless of geography. A large company might only operate domestically.
Refers specifically to the origin of capital. It does not necessarily imply the company operates in multiple countries.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is used in both formal business reports and casual conversation. It is a neutral, descriptive noun. Ensure it is used when referring to entities with operations in at least two countries.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse it with 'foreign-owned enterprise' (外企). While MNCs are often foreign-owned, the focus here is on the 'cross-border' operation aspect. Avoid using it for small shops or domestic chains.
Tips
Use with verbs like '进入' or '设立'
When describing the expansion of these firms, use phrases like '进入中国市场' or '设立分支机构' to sound more professional.
Don't confuse with domestic companies
Ensure you distinguish between local firms and MNCs, as their management structures and goals differ significantly.
MNCs in the Chinese context
In China, MNCs are often viewed as desirable employers due to their competitive salaries and international work culture.
Word Origin
The term is a modern economic translation of the English 'Multinational Corporation'. It combines '跨' (cross) and '国' (nation) to describe global business reach.
Cultural Context
In China, working for a top-tier MNC is often seen as a sign of professional success. These companies are known for providing systematic training and international exposure.
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix '跨' (cross) and '国' (country). It is a company that crosses borders to do business.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions外企是指在特定国家内注册的外国资本企业，而跨国公司更强调其在全球范围内的运营布局。可以说大多数跨国公司在当地都是外企，但外企不一定是跨国公司。
跨国公司通常拥有雄厚的资金、先进的技术专利和全球统一的品牌管理。它们在全球范围内分配生产要素，以实现利润最大化。
虽然听起来意思相近，但“跨国公司”是更标准的专业术语。在正式场合建议使用“跨国公司”或“跨国企业”。
它们通常能带来就业机会、先进的管理经验和技术转让，但也可能对当地本土企业造成竞争压力。
Test Yourself
这家___在全球拥有超过一百个分支机构。
根据语境，拥有超过一百个分支机构的只能是跨国公司。
跨国公司的核心特征是？
跨国公司的定义就是跨越国界进行经营活动。
很多 / 跨国公司 / 进入了 / 中国 / 市场
这是标准的中文主谓宾语序。
Score: /3
Summary
A multinational corporation is a business that operates globally across multiple national borders.
- A large company operating in multiple countries.
- Known for global production and sales networks.
- Key driver of international trade and economy.
Use with verbs like '进入' or '设立'
When describing the expansion of these firms, use phrases like '进入中国市场' or '设立分支机构' to sound more professional.
Don't confuse with domestic companies
Ensure you distinguish between local firms and MNCs, as their management structures and goals differ significantly.
MNCs in the Chinese context
In China, MNCs are often viewed as desirable employers due to their competitive salaries and international work culture.
Examples
4 of 4许多跨国公司都在上海设立了办事处。
Many multinational corporations have set up offices in Shanghai.
该跨国企业已制定了全球扩张战略。
The multinational enterprise has developed a global expansion strategy.
她想去一家跨国公司实习。
She wants to intern at a multinational corporation.
跨国公司对发展中国家的经济增长具有显著影响。
Multinational corporations have a significant impact on the economic growth of developing countries.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More business words
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
会计
A2accounting, accountant
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
