Translation guide
A duplex is a residential building divided into two separate living units, often sharing a common wall. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through terms for housing types, architectural styles, or specific apartment layouts.
A building containing two separate dwellings, typically side-by-side or stacked, each with its own entrance.
Literally 'two-family house', this is the most common term for a duplex designed for two households, often related families. It can refer to both attached and detached styles.
私たちは二世帯住宅に住んでいます。
We live in a duplex.
A building containing two independent housing units. This term emphasizes the structural aspect of two dwellings in one building.
この地域には二戸建ての住宅が多い。
There are many duplexes in this area.
A direct loanword from English, used mainly in real estate contexts or by those familiar with Western housing styles. Not widely understood by the general public.
このデュプレックスは二つの独立したユニットがあります。
This duplex has two independent units.
A single apartment unit that occupies two levels, connected by an internal staircase. This is a common meaning in American English.
A type of apartment that has two floors inside the unit. This is the standard term in Japanese real estate for a duplex apartment.
彼は都心のメゾネットに住んでいる。
He lives in a duplex apartment in the city center.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'two-story apartment'. It can be used to explain the concept but is not a fixed term.
この二層式のアパートは広々としている。
This duplex apartment is spacious.
A house that shares one common wall with another house, each having its own land and entrance. In some regions, this is called a duplex.
A traditional row house or terraced house, often sharing walls. While it can refer to multiple units, a two-unit version fits the duplex concept. Common in older neighborhoods.
この長屋は二軒だけです。
This duplex has only two units.
A modern term for attached houses, often used in suburban developments. A duplex can be considered a small townhouse complex.
二世帯住宅 emphasizes the family aspect, often with shared spaces like entrances or kitchens, while 二戸建て focuses on the structural independence of two units. Use 二世帯住宅 when talking about living with relatives, and 二戸建て for purely architectural descriptions.
The English word 'duplex' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using デュプレックス may not be understood outside real estate contexts. Always consider the specific meaning you intend.
彼らはタウンハウスを購入した。
They bought a duplex.