Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'tradesman' is expressed through various terms depending on the specific trade, formality, and context. The most common and neutral term is 職人 (shokunin), which broadly refers to a skilled craftsman or artisan. Other terms like 商人 (shōnin) emphasize the merchant aspect, while 業者 (gyōsha) is used for contractors or service providers. When referring to a specific trade, compound words like 大工 (daiku, carpenter) or 左官 (sakan, plasterer) are used. In casual or traditional contexts, 屋 (ya) suffix is common, as in 電気屋 (denkiya, electrician).
Referring to a person skilled in a manual trade, such as carpentry, metalwork, or pottery, emphasizing craftsmanship.
The most common and neutral term for a skilled craftsman or artisan. It implies mastery of a traditional or manual trade.
He is a skilled tradesman.
A more formal or literary term for a craftsman or artisan, often used in historical or technical contexts.
Refers to a master craftsman or a renowned artisan, often used for historical figures or highly respected individuals.
Referring to a person who sells goods or services, often running a small business or shop.
Referring to a person or company that provides specialized services, such as construction, plumbing, or electrical work.
A general term for a contractor, vendor, or service provider. It is commonly used for businesses or individuals hired for specific jobs, like construction or repairs.
Referring to a tradesman by their specific occupation, which is often the most natural way in Japanese.
Carpenter. One of the most common specific trade terms.
Using the suffix 屋 (ya) to indicate a person or shop specializing in something, often in casual or traditional contexts.
Attach 屋 to a noun indicating the product or service to refer to a person or shop dealing in it. Very common and versatile.
職人 emphasizes skill and craftsmanship, often in traditional or manual trades. 業者 is a broader term for any business or contractor providing services, without necessarily implying high skill. Use 職人 when praising someone's work, and 業者 when referring to a company or hired professional.
This furniture is handmade by a craftsman.
He is a skilled tradesman.
The craftsman is making furniture.
This temple was built by unknown tradesmen.
彼は当代随一の名工と称されている。
He is acclaimed as the greatest tradesman of our time.
General term for a merchant or trader. It can refer to anyone engaged in commerce, from a small shopkeeper to a large-scale trader.
He succeeded as a tradesman.
The tradesman sells vegetables at the market.
A traditional or Kansai dialect term for a merchant, often associated with the merchant culture of Osaka. It carries a nuance of shrewdness and business acumen.
Osaka tradesmen are good at business.
I asked a tradesman to fix the plumbing.
I'm looking for a reliable tradesman.
Also used for skilled tradespeople like carpenters or plasterers, especially when emphasizing their craftsmanship rather than just the business aspect.
I was introduced to a skilled tradesman.
I had a tradesman (carpenter) build my house.
Plasterer. A specific trade term for someone who applies plaster or stucco.
A plasterer's job is to apply plaster to walls.
Electrician (formal qualification). Often shortened to 電気屋 in casual speech.
I got an electrician's license.
Plumber. A technical term for someone who installs and repairs pipes.
I called a plumber to fix the water pipe.
I asked the electrician to fix the air conditioner.
That fishmonger sells fresh fish.
引っ越し業者に頼む。
Hire a moving company.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'tradesman'. Using a direct translation like トレードマン is not understood. Always choose the term that fits the specific trade or context.
The tradesman delivered the goods.
We need to call a tradesman to fix the roof.