Translation guide
A person skilled at various household repairs and odd jobs. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on context, such as whether you are hiring someone, describing a DIY enthusiast, or referring to a maintenance worker.
To refer to a person you call to fix things around the house, like plumbing, electrical work, or general maintenance.
Literally 'convenience shop' but commonly used for a handyman service. Covers a wide range of odd jobs, from minor repairs to furniture assembly. Often used for small, non-specialized tasks.
引っ越しの後、便利屋に棚の取り付けを頼んだ。
After moving, I hired a handyman to install shelves.
General 'repair shop/person'. Can be used for someone who fixes things, but less specific than 便利屋. Often combined with the item being repaired, e.g., テレビ修理屋 (TV repairman).
洗濯機が壊れたので修理屋を呼んだ。
The washing machine broke, so I called a repairman.
Literally 'anything shop/person'. Similar to 便利屋 but can sound more informal or jack-of-all-trades. Often used for someone who does a bit of everything.
彼は近所の何でも屋で、電気工事から庭仕事までこなす。
He's the neighborhood handyman, handling everything from electrical work to gardening.
A small construction or renovation company. Often used for larger repair or renovation projects, not just minor fixes. More formal and business-like.
家のリフォームは地元の工務店に頼んだ。
We hired a local handyman/contractor for the house renovation.
To describe someone who is good at fixing and making things around the house, often as a hobby or personal skill.
Literally 'Sunday carpenter', meaning a DIY enthusiast. Refers to the activity or the person who does it. Very common for home improvement hobbyists.
父は日曜大工が得意で、自分で本棚を作った。
My dad is a handyman and made a bookshelf himself.
Means 'a dexterous/skillful person'. Not specific to repairs, but describes someone good with their hands. Can be used for a handyman type.
彼はとても器用な人で、何でも直してしまう。
He's a real handyman; he can fix anything.
To refer to a person employed to maintain and repair a building, such as in an apartment complex or office.
Building manager or caretaker. Often handles minor repairs and maintenance. Very common for apartment buildings.
水道のトラブルは管理人に連絡してください。
Please contact the handyman/building manager for plumbing issues.
Janitor or custodian, often in schools or public facilities. May do minor repairs and maintenance.
There is no direct Japanese word that perfectly matches 'handyman' in all contexts. Using ハンディマン (handiman) is not common and may not be understood. Choose the term based on the specific role.
便利屋 is a professional service you hire, while 日曜大工 refers to a DIY hobbyist. Don't use 日曜大工 for a paid repair person.
学校の用務員さんが壊れた机を直してくれた。
The school handyman fixed the broken desk.