Translation guide
The English word 'supplier' refers to a person or company that provides goods or services. In Japanese, the most common and natural equivalent is 仕入れ先 (shiiresaki) for a business supplier of goods, or サプライヤー (sapuraiyā) as a loanword. The choice depends on context, formality, and the type of supply relationship.
仕入れ先はどこですか？
Who is your supplier?
A company or person that regularly provides products to a business, such as a manufacturer, wholesaler, or vendor.
The standard business term for a supplier from whom a company purchases goods for resale or use. Neutral and widely used in commercial contexts.
新しい仕入れ先を探しています。
We are looking for a new supplier.
その仕入れ先は品質が安定している。
That supplier has consistent quality.
Loanword from English, common in business and technical contexts. Often used in manufacturing, IT, and global supply chains. Slightly more modern or international feel.
主要サプライヤーとの契約を更新した。
We renewed the contract with our main supplier.
Literally 'delivery contractor', emphasizes the delivery aspect. Used for suppliers who physically deliver goods, often in construction, manufacturing, or office supplies.
納入業者が毎週金曜日に来る。
The supplier comes every Friday.
Means 'source of supply'. More abstract, often used in economics or when discussing supply chains. Less common in everyday business conversation.
電力の供給元を多様化する必要がある。
We need to diversify our electricity suppliers.
A company or person that supplies services, such as IT, cleaning, or consulting, rather than physical goods.
General term for a business operator or contractor. Can refer to suppliers of goods or services. Very common and versatile.
清掃業者を変えようと思う。
I'm thinking of changing the cleaning supplier.
信頼できる業者を紹介してください。
Please introduce a reliable supplier.
Loanword from 'vendor', used especially in IT and software contexts for suppliers of technology products or services.
Means 'provider' or 'source of provision'. Used for services or information, often in formal or written contexts.
A person who supplies goods or materials, often in a traditional or small-scale context, such as a farmer, artisan, or wholesaler.
Specifically a wholesaler or distributor from whom a retailer buys goods. Common in retail and food industries.
魚は築地の卸し先から仕入れている。
We source fish from a supplier in Tsukiji.
Similar to 仕入れ先 but emphasizes the origin of the goods. Often used for agricultural products or raw materials.
野菜の仕入れ元は地元の農家です。
Our vegetable supplier is a local farmer.
仕入れ先 is the native Japanese term and is preferred in traditional business settings. サプライヤー is a loanword and feels more modern or international. Both are widely understood, but 仕入れ先 is safer for general use.
仕入れ先との関係を大切にしている。
We value our relationship with our suppliers.
グローバルサプライヤーを選定する。
Select a global supplier.
The direct translation '供給者' (kyōkyūsha) is rarely used for business suppliers. It sounds like a person who supplies something in a general sense, not a commercial entity. Stick to the terms above.
主な仕入れ先は大阪にあります。
Our main supplier is based in Osaka.
あの会社は自動車部品の大手サプライヤーです。
They are a leading supplier of auto parts.
ITベンダーにシステム開発を依頼した。
We outsourced system development to an IT supplier.
The supplier of this data is a government agency.