Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'contractor' is expressed differently depending on the type of work and relationship. The most common and neutral term is 請負業者 (ukeoi gyōsha) for general contracting businesses. For individual tradespeople, 業者 (gyōsha) is widely used. In construction contexts, 施工業者 (sekō gyōsha) or 工事業者 (kōji gyōsha) are specific. When referring to a party in a contract, 契約者 (keiyakusha) is used, but this is more 'contract party' than 'contractor' in the business sense.
A business or company that undertakes contracts to perform work or provide services.
The standard term for a contracting business. It implies a formal, often larger-scale operation. Suitable for written and formal contexts.
その請負業者は大規模な建設プロジェクトを担当した。
That contractor handled a large-scale construction project.
A broad term for a business operator or tradesperson. Often used in everyday speech for contractors, vendors, or service providers. Can be ambiguous, so context is needed.
Specifically a construction contractor. Used in technical or industry contexts.
施工業者が現場で作業を始めた。
The construction contractor started work on site.
A person who does skilled manual work, often self-employed or running a small business.
Refers to a skilled craftsman or artisan. Often used for carpenters, plasterers, etc. Implies mastery of a trade.
腕のいい職人に頼めば仕上がりが違う。
If you hire a skilled contractor, the finish will be different.
A person or entity that is a signatory to a contract, not necessarily performing work.
Means 'contracting party' or 'contract holder'. Used in legal and insurance contexts. Not typically used for a building contractor.
契約者は保険の内容を確認してください。
The contractor should check the insurance details.
A contractor hired by the main contractor to perform part of the work.
Standard term for a subcontractor. Often shortened to 下請け (したうけ) in conversation.
この工事は下請け業者に発注した。
We outsourced this work to a subcontractor.
Directly translating 'contractor' as 契約者 (keiyakusha) will often be misunderstood. 契約者 means 'contract holder' (e.g., insurance policyholder), not a person or company that performs contracted work. Use 業者 (gyōsha) or 請負業者 (ukeoi gyōsha) for business contractors.
業者 (gyōsha) is the most general and can refer to any business operator, from a small repair shop to a large vendor. 請負業者 (ukeoi gyōsha) specifically means a contracting business, often in construction. 施工業者 (sekō gyōsha) is exclusively a construction contractor. Use 業者 in casual contexts, and 請負業者 or 施工業者 when precision is needed.
I'm looking for a contractor for renovations.
A sole proprietor or independent contractor in trades like construction. Literally 'one master', it emphasizes self-employment.
彼は一人親方として電気工事をしている。
He works as an independent electrical contractor.
Legal term for a contractor in a contract for work. Found in the Civil Code. Rare in everyday speech.
請負人は仕事の完成について責任を負う。
The contractor is responsible for the completion of the work.