Translation guide
The English word 'carpenter' refers to a person who builds or repairs wooden structures. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 大工, but there are other terms depending on the type of woodworking or construction.
A person who builds or repairs houses and other structures made of wood.
The standard word for a carpenter, especially one who works on building houses and other wooden structures. It is the most common and widely understood term.
He is a carpenter.
I had a carpenter build my house.
Specifically a carpenter who works on building construction, as opposed to furniture making. More formal or technical than 大工 alone.
I have ten years of experience as a construction carpenter.
A carpenter who specializes in fine woodworking, such as making furniture, cabinets, or interior trim.
A traditional woodworker who makes furniture, cabinets, and other fine wooden items using joinery techniques without nails. This is a specialized craft.
The chest of drawers made by a joiner is very sturdy.
A craftsman who makes furniture. This term is more general and can include modern furniture making, not necessarily traditional joinery.
A carpenter who specializes in making sliding doors, screens, and other interior fittings. This is a specific traditional trade.
A carpenter who builds and repairs temples, shrines, and other traditional Japanese structures using ancient techniques.
A highly skilled carpenter specializing in the construction and repair of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. This is a prestigious and traditional profession.
A temple carpenter undergoes many years of training.
Another term for a temple/shrine carpenter, emphasizing both halls (堂) and shrines (宮). Less common than 宮大工.
A carpenter who works on ships, building and repairing wooden parts of vessels.
A carpenter who builds or repairs ships, traditionally wooden boats. This is a specialized trade.
The ship's carpenter is repairing the wooden boat.
大工 is the general term for a carpenter who builds houses. 指物師 specializes in fine woodworking like furniture. 宮大工 works on temples and shrines. Use the specific term when the context requires it, but 大工 is safe for most situations.
If you build a house, it's a carpenter; if you make furniture, it's a joiner; if you build a shrine, it's a temple carpenter.
The loanword カーペンター is rarely used in Japanese and may not be understood. Stick to native Japanese terms like 大工.
He is a carpenter. (unnatural)
He became independent as a furniture craftsman.
建具師が障子を修理してくれた。
The joinery specialist repaired the paper sliding door.
The skills of temple carpenters are essential for restoring national treasures.
He is a carpenter. (natural)