下請けする

• Reading: したうけする
• Romaji: shitaukesuru
• Kanji breakdown: 下 (shita/ka) — below, under; 請 (uke/sei) — receive, undertake
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ta.ɯ.ke.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To subcontract; to take on work outsourced from a larger company.

A する verb describing the practice of accepting contracted work from a larger company or primary contractor. 下請け (shitauke) as a noun refers to both the act of subcontracting and the subcontractor itself. Japan's manufacturing and construction industries rely heavily on 下請け structures, often forming multi-tier supply chains. 下請け会社 (subcontracting company) and 下請け業者 (subcontractor) are common related terms.

Examples

1. うちの会社は大手メーカーの仕事を下請けしている。 Our company subcontracts work from a major manufacturer.
2. 下請けする側は納期のプレッシャーが大きい。 The pressure of deadlines is intense for subcontractors.
3. 部品の製造を町工場に下請けさせることにした。 We decided to subcontract the parts manufacturing to a small factory.

Usage Guide

Context: business, manufacturing, construction

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 下 (shita, below/under) + 請け (uke, to receive/undertake). Literally 'receiving from below,' indicating work received from a higher-tier company in the business hierarchy.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal