Translation guide
A shop that sells tools, building materials, and household repair items. In Japan, this is typically a ホームセンター (home center), which is a large DIY store, or a 金物屋 (hardware shop), which is a smaller, traditional store.
A large store selling tools, building materials, gardening supplies, and household goods, similar to a Western hardware store or home improvement center.
The most common term for a large hardware/DIY store. Often abbreviated as ホムセン in casual speech.
I bought paint at the hardware store on the weekend.
A traditional hardware store, often smaller and specializing in metal tools, nails, and household items. May be less common in modern suburbs.
I bought nails at the local hardware store.
A loanword from English, sometimes used for stores emphasizing do-it-yourself projects. Less common than ホームセンター.
That DIY shop has a wide selection of tools.
A small store focusing on specific hardware items like locks, keys, or tools, often run by a single proprietor.
Use ホームセンター for large, modern stores with wide aisles and many departments (like Home Depot). Use 金物屋 for small, traditional shops that sell nails, screws, and basic tools, often in older shopping districts.
Home centers are often in the suburbs.
Hardware shops are in the shopping district.
I'm looking for an electric drill at the tool store.