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.
下請けの仕事を受ける。
To take on subcontract work.
この工場は大手メーカーの下請けをしている。
This factory does subcontracting for a major manufacturer.
下請け企業は納期に追われることが多い。
Subcontracting companies are often pressed by deadlines.
WORD FORMATION:
下 (below, under) + 請け (receiving, contracting) = receiving work from above.
COMMON 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:
- 下請けに出す: to subcontract out
- 下請けを受ける: to take on subcontract work
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.