Translation guide
A small, simple house, often in the countryside or near a lake/sea. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through several words depending on context: a Western-style country house, a traditional rural house, a mountain/lakeside cabin, or a vacation rental.
A small, cozy house in the countryside, often used as a vacation home or second residence.
The most direct loanword for a Western-style cottage. Commonly used for vacation rentals in resort areas.
We rented a cottage in Karuizawa for summer vacation.
A second home or vacation house, often in the mountains or by the sea. Can be larger than a cottage, but used for similar purposes.
They have a small cottage by the lake.
A mountain villa or cottage, often implying a rustic, retreat-like atmosphere. More literary or formal.
We spent a quiet weekend at the mountain cottage.
A simple, old-fashioned house in the countryside, often with a thatched roof, associated with farming or village life.
A rural house, often simple and traditional. Can evoke a nostalgic image of the countryside.
My grandmother lives alone in a cottage in the countryside.
An old traditional Japanese house, often renovated as a café or guesthouse. Not exactly a cottage, but used for similar rustic accommodations.
A very simple, small shelter in nature, often used for hiking, fishing, or as a rustic retreat.
A mountain hut or cabin, often used by hikers. Can be a simple lodge or a private cabin.
We stayed overnight at a mountain cottage before heading to the summit.
A log house or log cabin, often used as a vacation rental. Conveys a rustic, Western-style cottage feel.
Any small, modest house, not necessarily in the countryside. Often used affectionately.
Literally 'small house'. A safe, neutral way to describe a cottage when the specific style is not important.
She lives in a small cottage on the outskirts of town.
コテージ is a direct loanword for a Western-style cottage, often used for vacation rentals. 別荘 is a second home, which can be a cottage but may also be a larger villa. 山小屋 is specifically a mountain hut, often very basic. Choose based on the building's style and location.
小屋 (こや) means 'hut' or 'shed' and implies a very rough, small structure, often for storage or animals. It can sound derogatory if used for someone's home. Use 小さな家 or コテージ instead.
We spent the summer in a cottage by the sea.
They own a little cottage in the Cotswolds.
古民家を改装したコテージに泊まった。
We stayed in a cottage renovated from an old traditional house.
We enjoyed a barbecue at a lakeside cottage.