How to Say ‘Plumber.’ in Japanese
水道屋さん
suidou ya san
[sue-doh yah sahn]
💬 Usage Tip: [水道屋さん] literally “waterworks shop person.” [-屋さん] makes it friendly like “the plumber guy/folks.”
🇯🇵 In Japan: People often use friendly job labels like [-屋さん]. It sounds approachable, not overly formal.
Phrase Breakdown
水道
suidou
[sue-doh]
water supply; plumbing; waterworks
水道 refers to the water/plumbing system. In repairs, it points to plumbing-related services.
水道のトラブルなので、水道屋さんに頼みます。
Since it’s a plumbing issue, I’ll ask a plumber.
屋
ya
[yah]
shop; dealer; service provider (for a trade)
屋 means a shop/person in a trade (e.g., パン屋). 水道屋 = plumbing company/plumber.
水道屋に連絡してもいいですか。
May I contact the plumber?
さん
san
[sahn]
Mr./Ms.; polite title; (friendly respectful)
さん makes it polite/friendly. 水道屋さん sounds softer than 水道屋, good in conversation with tenants/landlords.
水道屋さんが午後に来ます。
The plumber will come in the afternoon.
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