Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'apartment' depends on the building type, size, and context. The most common general term is アパート, but マンション is used for larger, modern buildings. There are also specific terms for public housing, luxury units, and single rooms.
A rented residential unit in a building with multiple dwellings, typically smaller or older.
The most common word for a small to medium-sized apartment, often a wooden or low-rise building. It implies a more modest or older structure compared to マンション.
私は駅の近くのアパートに住んでいます。
I live in an apartment near the station.
このアパートは家賃が安いです。
This apartment has cheap rent.
Refers to a larger, modern apartment building, usually made of reinforced concrete. Despite the English 'mansion', it means a condominium or apartment. Often implies higher quality than アパート.
彼は高層マンションの最上階に住んでいます。
He lives on the top floor of a high-rise apartment building.
新築のマンションを購入しました。
I bought a newly built apartment.
A formal term for multi-unit housing, including apartments and condominiums. Used in official contexts or real estate.
この地域には多くの集合住宅があります。
There are many apartment complexes in this area.
Government-provided or low-cost rental housing.
Public housing provided by local governments at low rent. Often translated as 'public apartment'.
彼女は公営住宅に申し込みました。
She applied for public housing.
A large housing complex or housing development, often built by public corporations. Can include apartments and townhouses.
Rental housing provided by the Urban Renaissance Agency, a semi-public corporation. Often called 'UR' for short.
UR賃貸住宅は保証人が不要です。
UR rental housing does not require a guarantor.
An upscale apartment with premium amenities.
A luxury apartment or condominium. Often used for expensive, well-appointed units in prime locations.
彼は都心の高級マンションに引っ越しました。
He moved to a luxury apartment in the city center.
A high-rise tower apartment building, often with extensive facilities. A subset of luxury housing.
タワーマンションからの眺めは素晴らしいです。
The view from the tower apartment is wonderful.
A small apartment consisting of one main room, often with a kitchenette.
A studio apartment in a modern building. The term combines 'one room' and 'mansion'.
学生向けのワンルームマンションを探しています。
I'm looking for a studio apartment for students.
Literally 'one room of an apartment', used when referring to a single room within a shared apartment or a small unit.
彼はアパートの一部屋を借りています。
He rents a room in an apartment.
アパート typically refers to smaller, often wooden or low-rise buildings with fewer units, while マンション refers to larger, modern, reinforced concrete buildings. In everyday conversation, マンション is often used for any apartment that looks modern, regardless of ownership. When in doubt, マンション is a safe choice for newer buildings.
この辺りはアパートが多いですが、最近マンションも増えました。
There are many apartments around here, but recently condominiums have also increased.
The Japanese word マンション does not mean a large, luxurious house (English 'mansion'). It means an apartment or condominium. Using it to refer to a mansion can cause confusion.
彼はマンションに住んでいます。
He lives in an apartment. (Not a mansion.)
The old housing complex is being redeveloped.