Translation guide
A general contractor oversees construction projects, coordinating subcontractors and managing the overall build. In Japanese, this role is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between the main contractor, the overall project manager, and the company type.
The primary company hired to carry out a construction project, responsible for managing subcontractors and the overall work.
Refers to the prime contractor who takes on the project from the client and manages subcontractors. This is the most direct equivalent for 'general contractor' in the context of a specific project.
この建設プロジェクトの元請けは大手ゼネコンです。
The general contractor for this construction project is a major general contractor.
Abbreviation of 'general contractor,' used for large-scale construction companies that handle everything from design to construction. Common in business and news contexts.
彼は大手ゼネコンに勤めています。
He works for a major general contractor.
A formal term for a comprehensive construction company, often used in legal or official documents. Less common in everyday speech.
当社は総合建設業者として登録されています。
Our company is registered as a general contractor.
A company that engages in construction work broadly, as opposed to specialized trades. This describes the business category.
General term for a construction company. While not exclusively 'general contractor,' it is widely understood and used when the context is clear.
地元の建設会社がこのマンションを建てました。
A local general contractor built this apartment building.
Specifically a 'general construction company' that handles multiple types of construction work, similar to a general contractor.
総合建設会社が公共工事を請け負った。
A general contractor took on the public works project.
An individual who manages a construction project, often a licensed professional or business owner.
Can refer to a construction contractor or company. When referring to a person, it implies someone in the construction business, often a general contractor.
信頼できる建設業者を探しています。
I'm looking for a reliable general contractor.
Typically a smaller, local construction firm or contractor, often handling residential projects. The owner or manager acts as the general contractor.
家のリフォームは近所の工務店に頼んだ。
I hired a local general contractor for the home renovation.
元請け (もとうけ) is the prime contractor who contracts directly with the client. 下請け (したうけ) is a subcontractor hired by the prime contractor. In English, 'general contractor' often implies the prime contractor role, so 元請け is the closest match in project contexts.
元請けが下請けに仕事を発注する。
The general contractor outsources work to subcontractors.
ゼネコン is a wasei-eigo term derived from 'general contractor.' It is widely used in Japan but typically refers to large, often nationwide construction firms. For smaller or local general contractors, 工務店 or 建設会社 may be more appropriate.
家を建てるのに工務店に依頼しました。
We hired a general contractor to build our house.
For a residential project, 工務店 is natural.
元請けがプロジェクト全体の責任を負います。
The general contractor is responsible for the entire project.
Emphasizes the prime contractor's responsibility.