Translation guide
To subcontract means to hire another company or person to do part of a larger job. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the noun 下請け (したうけ) or the verb 下請けする (したうけする). The concept is widely used in business, construction, and manufacturing.
To outsource part of a project or job to another company or individual.
The most common noun meaning 'subcontract' or 'subcontractor'. Can refer to the act or the entity.
That company subcontracts work to others.
We are looking for a subcontractor.
The verb form meaning 'to subcontract'. Often used in business contexts.
We decided to subcontract this part.
Refers to outsourcing or subcontracting, especially in manufacturing or IT. Often used as a noun or with する.
We subcontract the manufacturing.
Select a subcontractor.
Means 'entrust' or 'commission', often used for subcontracting services or work. More formal than 下請け.
We subcontract the operations.
Refers to a sub-subcontractor, i.e., a company that takes work from a subcontractor. Literally 'grandchild subcontract'.
There are even sub-sub-subcontractors.
Referring to the company or person that receives the subcontracted work.
下請け is the most direct and common term for subcontracting, especially in construction and manufacturing. 外注 emphasizes outsourcing to an external party, often used in IT and production. 委託 is more formal and implies entrusting a task or service, commonly used in legal or administrative contexts.
The English word 'subcontract' can be a noun or verb. In Japanese, use 下請け as a noun and 下請けする as a verb. Do not try to directly translate 'sub' and 'contract' separately.
We subcontract the design work to a local firm.
They act as a subcontractor for major construction projects.
Renew the contract with the subcontracting company.