【Construction Trainees】Pre-entry Prep! Complete Guide to “Tools” and “Mysterious Words” Used by Seniors Vol.1

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For those who want to learn the basics of construction sites all at once, check out this
[Construction Site Complete Guide]!

Let’s learn before entering Japan! On-site Japanese Vol.1

Hi! It’s Sensei.

Are you ready to go to Japan? You might have learned words like “Hammer” or “Measure” at your Japanese language school.
But when you go to the actual site (Genba / 現場), your seniors (Senpai) use different words.

“Hey! Bring the Scale and the Neko!”

To make sure you don’t panic when told that, today let’s learn 10 tools you will definitely use on-site. Just by knowing these, you’ll be praised from day one as “Oh, this kid knows his stuff!”

01. Scale (Sukeiru / スケール)
Scale

Common name: Measure / Tape measure (Makijaku / 巻尺)

On-site name: Scale (Sukeiru / スケール)

A tool for measuring length. The 5.5m one is the most commonly used.

02. Impact (Inpakuto / インパクト)
Impact

Common name: Electric screwdriver (Dendo Doraiba / 電動ドライバー)

On-site name: Impact (Inpakuto / インパクト)

Used for tightening screws or drilling holes—it’s the main star of the site.

03. Ratchet (Rachetto / ラチェット)
Ratchet

Common name: Wrench (Renchi / レンチ) / Gacha

On-site name: Ratchet (Rachetto / ラチェット) / Shino (シノ)

A tool for tightening bolts. It makes a “click-click” sound.

04. Neko (Neko / ネコ) ★Be Careful
Neko

Common name: Unicycle / Wheelbarrow (Ichirinsha / 一輪車)

On-site name: Neko (ネコ)

A cart for carrying soil. It’s not a cat, so don’t get confused!

05. Uma (Uma / ウマ) ★Be Careful
Uma

Common name: Workbench (Sagyodai / 作業台)

On-site name: Uma (ウマ)

A stand to place materials on. It’s shaped like a horse.

06. Sander (Sanda / サンダー)
Sander

Common name: Grinder (Kenmaki / 研磨機)

On-site name: Sander (Sanda / サンダー)

Used for grinding or cutting iron. Watch out for sparks!

07. Cutter (Katta / カッター)
Cutter

Common name: Cutter knife (Katta Naifu / カッターナイフ)

On-site name: Cutter (Katta / カッター)

Japanese cutters are very sharp. Be careful when handling the blade.

08. Clipper (Kurippa / クリッパー)
Clipper

Common name: Wire cutter / Bolt clipper (Hariganekiri / 針金切り)

On-site name: Clipper (Kurippa / クリッパー)

Cuts thick wire. It requires quite a bit of strength.

09. Suiheiki (Level / 水平器)
Level

Common name: Level / Bubble level (Suijunki / 水準器)

On-site name: Suiheiki (水平器) / Level (Reberu / レベル)

Used to check if something is straight. An essential tool for professionals.

10. Bar (Baaru / バール)
Crowbar

Common name: Nail puller (Kuginuki / 釘抜き)

On-site name: Bar (Baaru / バール)

Used for pulling nails or prying objects open.

Summary: Let’s memorize these 10 first!

The 10 tools introduced today are the basics used at any site.

Just knowing their names will make communication with your seniors much easier. Use your time before entry to review them many times with the images!


Did you memorize the tools in Vol.1?
Next, let’s preview the “Mysterious Verbs” flying around the site!

“Nameru,” “Barasu,” “Nigeru”…
They are words you know, but the meanings are totally different!?
Check out Vol.2 to avoid panicking on-site.

Read [Construction Vol.2] 10 Mysterious Verbs →

Stay Safe (Go-anzen ni / ご安全に)!