1.
subcontracting, subcontract work
The practice of a company receiving work from a larger company and carrying it out on their behalf, or the work itself.
Forms
下 (below, under) + 請け (receiving, contracting) = receiving work from above.
Compounds
- 下請け企業: subcontracting company
- 下請け業者: subcontractor
- 下請け工場: subcontract factory
- 孫請け: sub-subcontracting (a subcontractor's subcontractor)
Common collocations
Cultural note
The 下請け system is deeply embedded in Japanese industry, especially manufacturing. Large companies like automobile makers rely on layers of 下請け companies. The relationship can involve 孫請け (sub-subcontracting) and even further layers, creating a pyramid structure.