1.
vendor, contractor, trader
A person or company engaged in a particular trade or business. Often refers to outside contractors, suppliers, or service providers rather than individual employees.
業者に見積もりを頼んだ。
I asked the contractor for an estimate.
悪質な業者に騙されないように注意してください。
Please be careful not to be deceived by dishonest vendors.
引っ越しの業者を何社か比較してから決めたほうがいい。
You should compare several moving companies before deciding.
USAGE:
Refers to an outside business entity such as a contractor, supplier, or vendor. Often used when the specific company name is unimportant — the focus is on their role. Can have a slightly impersonal or transactional nuance. 悪徳業者 (unscrupulous dealer) is a common cautionary phrase.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 引っ越し業者: moving company
- 悪質な業者: dishonest vendor
- 業者に依頼する: to hire a contractor
- 仲介業者: broker, intermediary