Translation guide
The English word "painter" can refer to an artist who creates paintings or a tradesperson who paints walls and surfaces. Japanese uses completely different words for these two meanings, so context is essential.
artist painter
house painter
A person who creates paintings as art.
The standard word for an artist who paints pictures. It covers fine artists, illustrators, and painters in the artistic sense.
She is a famous painter.
That painter specializes in landscapes.
A more casual or traditional term for a painter or artist. It can sound slightly old-fashioned or humble, but is still used, especially in compound words or informal contexts.
He's a painter in town.
An archaic or literary term for a painter, often used historically for artisans or craftsmen who painted. Rare in modern conversation.
Works by Edo-period painters are on display.
A person whose job is painting walls, buildings, or other surfaces.
The standard term for a professional painter who applies paint to surfaces like walls, houses, or industrial structures. It emphasizes the trade aspect.
I called a painter to repaint the walls.
A colloquial term for a house painter or someone who works with paint. It literally means "paint shop" or "paint person" and is commonly used in everyday speech.
A more formal term for a painting contractor or company. Used in business or official contexts.
Using 画家 (artist) for a house painter would be confusing and incorrect. Always clarify whether you mean an artistic painter or a tradesperson. If context is unclear, specify with additional words like 芸術家 (artist) or 職人 (craftsman).
ペンキ屋さんに外壁を塗ってもらう。
I'll have a painter do the exterior walls.
I requested a quote from a painting contractor.