Translation guide
In Japanese, the role of a janitor is often expressed through specific job titles or descriptive phrases. The most common and natural term is 用務員 (ようむいん), which refers to a school or office caretaker. Other terms like 清掃員 (せいそういん) emphasize cleaning duties, while 管理人 (かんりにん) implies broader building management. The choice depends on context and the specific duties involved.
To refer to a person who maintains and cleans a school or office building, performing various odd jobs.
The standard term for a janitor in schools or public facilities. It implies a range of maintenance and cleaning tasks.
学校の用務員が廊下を掃除している。
The school janitor is cleaning the hallway.
Specifically a school janitor or caretaker. Less common than 用務員 but still used.
校務員さんが教室の鍵を開けてくれた。
The school janitor unlocked the classroom for me.
An older, somewhat dated term for a janitor or handyman in schools. May be considered informal or old-fashioned.
昔、学校に小使いさんがいた。
In the old days, there was a janitor at the school.
To emphasize the cleaning aspect of the job, often in commercial or public spaces.
Literally 'cleaning staff'. Used for cleaners in offices, buildings, or public areas. Focuses on cleaning duties rather than general maintenance.
オフィスの清掃員は夜に働いている。
The office janitor works at night.
A male cleaner or janitor. The term 夫 (ふ) indicates a male worker. Can be used for janitors but is slightly gendered.
掃除夫が床をモップがけしている。
The janitor is mopping the floor.
A female cleaner or janitor. The character 婦 (ふ) indicates a female worker. Less common in modern usage due to gender-neutral alternatives.
掃除婦が窓を拭いている。
The janitor is wiping the windows.
To refer to someone who manages a building, including maintenance, repairs, and sometimes tenant relations.
A building manager or superintendent. Often used for apartment buildings or condominiums. Duties may include cleaning, repairs, and administrative tasks.
マンションの管理人がゴミ置き場を掃除している。
The building janitor is cleaning the garbage area.
Similar to 管理人, but often used in official or formal contexts, such as for public facilities.
公園の管理員がトイレを点検している。
The park janitor is inspecting the restrooms.
To use a more formal or technical term for a janitor, often in institutional settings.
A facility management staff member. This is a more formal and technical term, often used in job titles or official documents.
施設管理員が空調設備をチェックしている。
The custodian is checking the air conditioning system.
用務員 is the most direct equivalent of 'janitor' in schools and public offices, implying a mix of cleaning and odd jobs. 清掃員 focuses purely on cleaning, often in commercial settings. 管理人 is a building manager or superintendent, with broader responsibilities including tenant relations and maintenance.
用務員は学校で働き、清掃員はオフィスビルで働き、管理人はマンションで働く。
A 用務員 works at a school, a 清掃員 works in an office building, and a 管理人 works in an apartment building.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'janitor' in all contexts. Using ジャニター (janitā) is not standard and may not be understood. Choose the term based on the specific role and setting.