Translation guide
A courtyard is an open area surrounded by buildings or walls. In Japanese, the most common word is 中庭 (nakaniwa), but other terms exist for traditional gardens, temple grounds, or castle enclosures.
An open area within a building complex, often with a garden or paved surface.
The standard word for a courtyard in modern buildings, houses, or schools. It refers to an inner garden or open space.
We had breakfast in the hotel courtyard.
This building has a small courtyard.
A general word for garden or yard. Can imply a courtyard when context makes it clear it is enclosed, but 中庭 is more precise.
There is a garden in the middle of the house.
A courtyard designed in traditional Japanese style, often with a pond, stones, and moss.
A small, enclosed courtyard garden typical of traditional Japanese townhouses (machiya). Often visible from multiple rooms.
Traditional townhouses in Kyoto have beautiful courtyard gardens.
Also used for traditional gardens, but 坪庭 is more specific to the small, enclosed style.
An open area within a temple or shrine complex, often used for ceremonies or gatherings.
Refers to the precincts or grounds of a temple or shrine, which often include a courtyard-like open space.
A festival was held in the shrine courtyard.
Can be used if the temple has a clearly defined inner courtyard, but 境内 is more common for the overall grounds.
An open area inside a castle's walls, often used for military or residential purposes.
A historical term for a bailey or courtyard within a Japanese castle. Also written as 郭.
Soldiers gathered in the castle courtyard.
Can be used for a castle's inner courtyard in modern descriptions, but 曲輪 is the specific historical term.
An open area within a school or public building, often used for activities or as a gathering space.
The standard term for a courtyard in modern institutional buildings.
Students are eating lunch in the school courtyard.
中庭 is a general courtyard, while 坪庭 specifically refers to a small, traditional Japanese courtyard garden, often found in machiya townhouses.
庭 (にわ) means garden or yard and is not necessarily enclosed. Use 中庭 when you want to emphasize the enclosed nature of a courtyard.
旅館の中庭はとても静かだ。
The ryokan's courtyard is very quiet.
お寺の中庭で座禅を組んだ。
We meditated in the temple courtyard.
城の中庭は広々としている。
The castle courtyard is spacious.