Translation guide
DIY refers to doing tasks yourself instead of hiring a professional, especially home improvement, crafts, and repairs. In Japanese, the loanword ディーアイワイ (DIY) is common, but the concept is also expressed through phrases about making or fixing things oneself.
Referring to the activity of making, building, or repairing things yourself, especially as a hobby or practical skill.
The loanword is widely understood, especially in contexts like home centers and hobby shops. Often used in compound terms like DIYショップ (DIY shop).
I enjoy DIY on weekends.
Literally 'Sunday carpenter', this is a traditional term for DIY home improvement and woodworking. It has a slightly old-fashioned, hobbyist feel.
My father's hobby is DIY.
A general phrase meaning 'to make by oneself'. Useful when the specific activity is clear from context.
I made this shelf myself.
Means 'handmade'. Often used for crafts, gifts, and food, but can apply to DIY projects.
I want to try making handmade furniture.
Emphasizing fixing or maintaining something without professional help.
Using DIY to describe a noun.
Attach の to DIY to modify a noun, e.g., DIYの道具 (DIY tools).
I bought a DIY book.
Use 日曜大工 as a modifier for a traditional feel.
The loanword DIY is very common in modern Japanese, especially in stores and media. It's safe to use in most contexts. 日曜大工 is more traditional and may sound slightly dated to younger people, but it's still understood.
DIY is popular these days.
I fixed the broken chair myself.
I want to gather DIY tools.