Translation guide
A concierge is a hotel staff member who assists guests with services like reservations, tickets, and local information. In Japanese, the English loanword コンシェルジュ is common, but traditional terms like コンシェルジュ and 案内係 are also used depending on context.
hotel concierge
concierge desk
A staff member at a hotel who helps guests with reservations, tickets, transportation, and local recommendations.
The most common and direct equivalent, widely understood in hotels and upscale establishments. It is a loanword from French/English.
I asked the hotel concierge to make a restaurant reservation.
Refers to the front desk or reception. While not exactly a concierge, it is sometimes used for general assistance. Use with caution as it implies the reception counter rather than a dedicated concierge service.
フロント is the front desk, not a dedicated concierge. It may not convey the specialized assistance role.
The service or desk area where a concierge works, often in hotels or luxury buildings.
Directly means 'concierge desk'. Common in hotels and serviced apartments.
You can leave your luggage at the concierge desk.
Refers to the concierge service as a whole, often used in promotional materials.
A staff member in a residential building who handles deliveries, provides information, and assists residents.
Often used for the building manager or caretaker in apartments. They may perform concierge-like duties such as handling packages and basic inquiries.
I had the building manager receive the parcel for me.
In high-end residential buildings, the term コンシェルジュ is used similarly to hotels.
コンシェルジュ implies a specialized, often multilingual staff member providing personalized services. 案内係 is a more general information attendant and may not offer the same level of service.
Luxury hotels always have a concierge.
I asked the station attendant for directions.
In English, 'concierge' can sometimes refer to any helpful person or service. In Japanese, コンシェルジュ is strictly for professional hospitality roles. Using it for a friend or informal helper would sound odd.
The concierge recommended a great sushi place.
I left my key with the concierge.
A more traditional Japanese term meaning 'information clerk' or 'guide attendant'. It can be used in hotels but is less specific than コンシェルジュ.
Let's ask the information desk about sightseeing spots.
Can you call a taxi for me at the front desk?
This apartment building has 24-hour concierge service.
The apartment concierge arranges dry cleaning for us.