Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'contractor' is expressed differently depending on the type of work and relationship. The most common and neutral term is 請負業者 (ukeoi gyōsha) for general contracting businesses. For individual tradespeople, 業者 (gyōsha) is widely used. In construction contexts, 施工業者 (sekō gyōsha) or 工事業者 (kōji gyōsha) are specific. When referring to a party in a contract, 契約者 (keiyakusha) is used, but this is more 'contract party' than 'contractor' in the business sense.
A business or company that undertakes contracts to perform work or provide services.
The standard term for a contracting business. It implies a formal, often larger-scale operation. Suitable for written and formal contexts.
That contractor handled a large-scale construction project.
A broad term for a business operator or tradesperson. Often used in everyday speech for contractors, vendors, or service providers. Can be ambiguous, so context is needed.
Specifically a construction contractor. Used in technical or industry contexts.
A person who does skilled manual work, often self-employed or running a small business.
A person or entity that is a signatory to a contract, not necessarily performing work.
A contractor hired by the main contractor to perform part of the work.
Standard term for a subcontractor. Often shortened to 下請け (したうけ) in conversation.
Directly translating 'contractor' as 契約者 (keiyakusha) will often be misunderstood. 契約者 means 'contract holder' (e.g., insurance policyholder), not a person or company that performs contracted work. Use 業者 (gyōsha) or 請負業者 (ukeoi gyōsha) for business contractors.
業者 (gyōsha) is the most general and can refer to any business operator, from a small repair shop to a large vendor. 請負業者 (ukeoi gyōsha) specifically means a contracting business, often in construction. 施工業者 (sekō gyōsha) is exclusively a construction contractor. Use 業者 in casual contexts, and 請負業者 or 施工業者 when precision is needed.
リフォームの業者を探しています。
I'm looking for a contractor for renovations.
The construction contractor started work on site.
Refers to a skilled craftsman or artisan. Often used for carpenters, plasterers, etc. Implies mastery of a trade.
If you hire a skilled contractor, the finish will be different.
A sole proprietor or independent contractor in trades like construction. Literally 'one master', it emphasizes self-employment.
He works as an independent electrical contractor.
Means 'contracting party' or 'contract holder'. Used in legal and insurance contexts. Not typically used for a building contractor.
The contractor should check the insurance details.
Legal term for a contractor in a contract for work. Found in the Civil Code. Rare in everyday speech.
The contractor is responsible for the completion of the work.
We outsourced this work to a subcontractor.