Translation guide
DIY refers to doing tasks yourself instead of hiring a professional, especially home improvement, crafts, and repairs. In Japanese, the loanword ディーアイワイ (DIY) is common, but the concept is also expressed through phrases about making or fixing things oneself.
Referring to the activity of making, building, or repairing things yourself, especially as a hobby or practical skill.
The loanword is widely understood, especially in contexts like home centers and hobby shops. Often used in compound terms like DIYショップ (DIY shop).
週末はDIYを楽しんでいます。
I enjoy DIY on weekends.
Literally 'Sunday carpenter', this is a traditional term for DIY home improvement and woodworking. It has a slightly old-fashioned, hobbyist feel.
父は日曜大工が趣味です。
My father's hobby is DIY.
A general phrase meaning 'to make by oneself'. Useful when the specific activity is clear from context.
この棚は自分で作りました。
I made this shelf myself.
Means 'handmade'. Often used for crafts, gifts, and food, but can apply to DIY projects.
手作りの家具に挑戦したい。
I want to try making handmade furniture.
Emphasizing fixing or maintaining something without professional help.
Directly means 'to repair by oneself'. Natural for car repairs, appliance fixes, etc.
車のオイル交換を自分で修理しました。
I did the oil change on my car myself.
Means 'to fix by oneself'. More casual than 修理する.
壊れた椅子を自分で直した。
I fixed the broken chair myself.
Using DIY to describe a noun.
Attach の to DIY to modify a noun, e.g., DIYの道具 (DIY tools).
DIYの本を買いました。
I bought a DIY book.
Use 日曜大工 as a modifier for a traditional feel.
日曜大工の道具を揃えたい。
I want to gather DIY tools.
The loanword DIY is very common in modern Japanese, especially in stores and media. It's safe to use in most contexts. 日曜大工 is more traditional and may sound slightly dated to younger people, but it's still understood.
最近、DIYが人気です。
DIY is popular these days.