Translation guide
A house that has been abandoned or left empty, often conveying a sense of loneliness or neglect.
To refer to a house that is no longer occupied and may be in disrepair.
The most common and neutral term for an unoccupied house. It can refer to any empty house, whether temporarily or permanently.
To describe a house that looks or feels abandoned.
空き家 is a general term for any empty house, while 廃屋 implies the house is abandoned and in poor condition. Use 空き家 for neutral descriptions and 廃屋 when emphasizing decay.
The English phrase 'deserted house' can be translated directly as 見捨てられた家, but this sounds unnatural in most contexts. Stick to the options above.
この地域には空き家が増えている。
The number of deserted houses in this area is increasing.
Specifically refers to an abandoned, dilapidated house. It emphasizes the state of ruin.
I found an old deserted house deep in the mountains.
Refers to ruins or abandoned structures, often larger or more dramatic than a single house. Can be used for a deserted house in a state of decay.
That deserted house was once a mansion.
Literally 'empty nest', but commonly used in the compound 空き巣狙い (burglar who targets empty houses). Not used alone to mean 'deserted house'.
Do not use 空き巣 by itself to mean 'deserted house'; it refers to the act of burglary or the burglar.
Please be careful of burglars who target empty houses.
That house seems to be deserted.
Means 'uninhabited house'. Slightly more formal or written style.
The street lined with deserted houses was eerie.
Literary expression meaning 'abandoned house'. Conveys a sense of neglect and desolation.
Weeds had overgrown the deserted house.