Translation guide
A multi-unit residential building, typically with rental units. In Japanese, the most common term is アパート for smaller, often wooden buildings, and マンション for larger, concrete condominiums. The English phrase 'apartment house' is not directly used in Japanese; instead, specific terms are used based on building type and ownership.
To refer to a multi-unit residential building, typically for rent.
The most common word for a rental apartment building, usually a smaller, low-rise structure (often wooden). It can also refer to an individual apartment unit.
I live in an apartment.
A new apartment building was built near the station.
Refers to a larger, modern apartment building, usually made of reinforced concrete, often with more amenities. Can be rental or condominium. Note: In Japanese, マンション does not mean 'mansion' in the English sense.
I want to move into a luxury apartment.
This apartment building allows pets.
A formal, technical term for multi-unit housing, including apartments, condos, and townhouses. Used in real estate and official contexts.
There are many apartment complexes in this area.
A legal term for a building with multiple dwelling units, often used in building codes and contracts. Less common in daily conversation.
Check the management regulations of the apartment building.
To refer to a single apartment within a building.
Literally 'room', but commonly used to mean an apartment unit in casual contexts, especially when the building type is clear.
I'm looking for an apartment.
His apartment is spacious.
Explicitly 'apartment unit' in a smaller building. Used to avoid ambiguity with just 部屋.
Rent an apartment unit.
Explicitly 'apartment unit' in a larger building.
Purchase a condo unit.
アパート typically refers to smaller, low-rise (1-3 stories), often wooden rental buildings. マンション refers to larger, mid- to high-rise, concrete buildings, which can be rental or owned. The distinction is not about luxury but about structure and size. In casual English, both are 'apartment', but in Japanese, using the wrong term can sound odd.
Wooden apartments have cheap rent.
Reinforced concrete apartments have good soundproofing.
The Japanese word マンション does not mean a large, luxurious house. It means an apartment/condo building. For a mansion in the English sense, use 大邸宅 (だいていたく) or 豪邸 (ごうてい).