Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 電気技師 | denki gishi |
| 電気工 | denkikō |
| 電工 | denkō |
The term used depends on whether you are referring to a highly skilled engineer, a tradesman or using informal language. 電気技師 is the most appropriate term to use when referring to a highly skilled professional or an electrical engineer, while 電気工 refers more specifically to a tradesman or laborer in the electrical field.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 電気技師 is composed of 電気 (electricity) and 技師 (engineer/technician).
Which one should you use?
電気技師 (denki gishi) sounds more like a professional title for an electrical engineer or technician. In contrast, 電気工 (denkikō) refers more specifically to a tradesman or laborer. Additionally, 電工 (denkō) is a common abbreviation of 電気工 used in technical or industrial contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
denki gishi
Did you know?
- If you are looking for an electrician for a home repair, you might encounter the word 'denki-ya' (electricity shop) instead of a professional title, as many people use a general store name to find service.
- Japanese has a specific term 電気主任技術者 for a 'Chief Electrical Engineer', a role with heavy legal liability for the safety of a building's electrical system.
- The character 工 in 電気工 originally depicted a builder's tool, representing the physical act of craftsmanship rather than theoretical engineering.
Examples in context
- 私は電気工です。I am an electrician.This sentence is useful for introducing oneself as an electrician using 電気工.Tatoeba #738391 by DeSha, translation #785458 by hrin
- 公共の建物で電気技師が修理中です。An electrician is currently repairing a public building.
- 電気屋さんに来てもらいました。I asked an electrician to come.
- 電気屋さんに電気の問題を聞いてみたんやけど…I asked an electrician about an electrical problem…
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are discussing a problem with their home lighting.
- 健太 Kenta電灯が壊れたみたいだね。Dentō ga kowareta mitai da ne.It looks like the light is broken.
- 結衣 Yui電気技師を呼んだほうがいいよ。Denki gishi o yonda hō ga ii yo.We should call an electrician.
- 健太 Kenta知り合いに誰かいる？Shiriai ni dareka iru?Do you know anyone?
- 結衣 Yui友達の兄が電気技師だよ。Tomodachi no ani ga denki gishi dayo.My friend's older brother is an electrician.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “electrician” translations and entries 電工, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
