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.
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.
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.
木造アパートは家賃が安い。
Wooden apartments have cheap rent.
鉄筋マンションは防音性が高い。
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).
I live in an apartment.
駅の近くに新しいアパートが建った。
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.
高級マンションに引っ越したい。
I want to move into a luxury apartment.
このマンションはペット可です。
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.
この地域には集合住宅が多い。
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.
共同住宅の管理規約を確認する。
Check the management regulations of the apartment building.
部屋を探しています。
I'm looking for an apartment.
彼の部屋は広い。
His apartment is spacious.
Explicitly 'apartment unit' in a smaller building. Used to avoid ambiguity with just 部屋.
アパートの部屋を借りる。
Rent an apartment unit.
Explicitly 'apartment unit' in a larger building.
マンションの部屋を購入する。
Purchase a condo unit.