Translation guide
The English verb 'hire' covers employing a person, renting a vehicle or equipment, and engaging professional services. Japanese uses different words for each situation, and the grammar changes depending on whether you are hiring someone or renting something.
To take someone on as an employee or worker, either permanently or temporarily.
The most common verb for hiring a person as an employee. Can be used for full-time, part-time, or temporary workers.
新しい社員を雇う予定です。
We plan to hire a new employee.
彼はアルバイトとして雇われた。
He was hired as a part-time worker.
Formal term for hiring or recruiting, often used in business contexts. Implies a selection process.
当社では経験者を採用しています。
Our company is hiring experienced people.
Very formal term for employment, often used in legal or economic contexts.
政府は若者の雇用を促進する政策を打ち出した。
The government announced policies to promote the hiring of young people.
To pay to use a car, bicycle, machinery, or other equipment for a period of time.
General verb for borrowing or renting. Works for cars, bicycles, DVDs, etc. The context makes it clear it's a paid rental.
駅前でレンタカーを借りた。
I hired a rental car in front of the station.
自転車を借りて街を散策した。
I hired a bicycle and explored the town.
Loanword from English 'rental'. Commonly used for cars, equipment, and various items.
キャンプ用品をレンタルする。
I'll hire camping gear.
Used specifically for hiring a bus, boat, or plane for private use.
観光バスをチャーターした。
We hired a sightseeing bus.
To pay a professional such as a lawyer, consultant, or photographer for their services.
Means 'to ask/request someone to do something'. In context, it implies hiring a professional. Very common and natural.
弁護士を頼んだほうがいい。
You should hire a lawyer.
結婚式のカメラマンを頼んだ。
We hired a photographer for the wedding.
Can also be used for hiring professionals, though it may sound slightly more like employing them as staff. Still common.
Formal term for commissioning or requesting a service. Common in business.
デザイン会社にロゴ作成を依頼した。
We hired a design company to create a logo.
Use 雇う for people (employees, workers) and 借りる for things you rent (cars, bikes, equipment). Mixing them up sounds unnatural. For professional services, 頼む is often the most natural choice.
The loanword ハイヤーする exists but is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to the Japanese verbs above.
I hire an accountant privately.