Translation guide
A platform projecting from the wall of a building, often with a railing. In Japanese, the most common word is バルコニー, but ベランダ is also used with a slight difference in structure. This guide explains the nuances.
balcony (general)
balcony (with roof)
Often used for any balcony in casual speech
The most common and general term for a balcony, especially in modern apartments. It usually refers to a cantilevered platform without a roof.
I ate breakfast on the balcony.
Often used interchangeably with バルコニー, but technically refers to a balcony with a roof or a veranda. In everyday speech, many Japanese use ベランダ for any balcony.
I hung the laundry on the balcony.
A formal or architectural term for a balcony or terrace. Rare in everyday conversation.
That building has a spacious balcony.
An upper seating area in a theater or auditorium.
Specifically refers to balcony seats in a theater. The word バルコニー alone can also be understood in context.
You can see the stage well from the balcony seats.
Traditional Japanese term for a raised seating area, like a box or balcony in a theater. Now mostly historical or used in traditional contexts.
Strictly speaking, バルコニー is a cantilevered platform without a roof, while ベランダ has a roof. However, in everyday Japanese, many people use ベランダ for any balcony, especially in apartment listings. バルコニー sounds slightly more modern or Western-style.
This apartment has a large balcony.
歌舞伎座の桟敷席は人気があります。
The balcony seats at the Kabuki-za are popular.