Translation guide
The sector of the economy involved in building and infrastructure. In Japanese, the most common and natural term is 建設業界, but other expressions exist depending on context.
Referring to the construction sector as a whole, in business, economic, or general contexts.
The standard, neutral term for the construction industry. Used in news, business, and everyday conversation.
建設業界は人手不足に直面している。
The construction industry is facing a labor shortage.
彼は建設業界で20年働いている。
He has worked in the construction industry for 20 years.
Often used interchangeably with 建設業界, but can also refer to the construction business as a type of industry. Slightly more formal or statistical.
建設業は日本のGDPの約5%を占める。
The construction industry accounts for about 5% of Japan's GDP.
Specifically refers to the building construction industry (architecture-focused), as opposed to civil engineering or heavy construction. Less common than 建設業界.
建築業界ではBIMの導入が進んでいる。
In the building construction industry, the adoption of BIM is advancing.
When talking about companies, contractors, or the business aspect of construction.
Means 'construction company'. Often used when the context is about the firms rather than the abstract industry.
大手建設会社がこのプロジェクトを担当する。
A major construction company will handle this project.
Abbreviation of 'general contractor'. Refers to large-scale construction companies that manage entire projects. Common in business and news.
When referring to the construction trade or field of work, often from a worker's perspective.
Literally 'construction site', but often used to refer to the construction field or working in construction.
彼は建設現場で働いている。
He works in construction (on construction sites).
Means 'construction work' or 'job in construction'. A natural way to say someone works in the construction industry.
建設の仕事は体力が必要だ。
Construction work requires physical strength.
建設業界 (kensetsu gyōkai) is the broad term covering all construction, including civil engineering, infrastructure, and building. 建築業界 (kenchiku gyōkai) specifically refers to building construction (architecture). Use 建設業界 unless you specifically mean building construction only.
While you can say 建設業界で働く, it's often more natural to say 建設業に携わる (be involved in construction) or simply 建設の仕事をしている (do construction work).
ゼネコン各社が入札に参加した。
Various general contractors participated in the bidding.