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.
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.
ホームセンターは郊外に多い。
Home centers are often in the suburbs.
金物屋は商店街にある。
Hardware shops are in the shopping district.
The most common term for a large hardware/DIY store. Often abbreviated as ホムセン in casual speech.
週末にホームセンターでペンキを買った。
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.
近所の金物屋で釘を買った。
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.
あのDIYショップは工具が豊富だ。
That DIY shop has a wide selection of tools.
Similar to 金物屋 but slightly more formal. Used for small hardware shops.
駅前の金物店で合鍵を作ってもらった。
I had a duplicate key made at the hardware store in front of the station.
A store specializing in tools. Not a general hardware store, but may be what you need if looking for specific tools.
工具店で電動ドリルを探している。
I'm looking for an electric drill at the tool store.