Translation guide
The English word "estate" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a large piece of land with a house, all the property left by someone who died, and a housing development. It also touches on less common uses like a political or social class, and a car model variant.
A large area of land in the countryside, usually with a large house, owned by one person or family.
a country estate · a vast estate with a manor house
Refers to a plot of land, often used for a large estate. Can be combined with 屋敷 (mansion) to emphasize the house.
彼は郊外に広大な地所を所有している。
He owns a vast estate in the suburbs.
Emphasizes the grand residence on the estate. Often used for luxurious mansions.
その邸宅は広大な庭園に囲まれている。
The estate is surrounded by vast gardens.
A large mansion, often implying the entire estate.
彼女はイギリスの田舎に大邸宅を持っている。
She has a country estate in England.
A traditional Japanese mansion or estate, often with historical connotations.
この屋敷は江戸時代から続いている。
This estate has been around since the Edo period.
All the money and property owned by a person at death, especially when considered in legal contexts.
to inherit an estate · the estate was worth millions
The standard term for inheritance or estate in legal and everyday contexts.
彼の遺産は子供たちに分配された。
His estate was divided among his children.
An area of land on which many houses are built together, often by a single developer.
a council estate · a housing estate
Refers to a planned residential complex or housing estate, often with apartment blocks or uniform houses.
新しい団地が郊外に建設されている。
A new housing estate is being built in the suburbs.
A general term for a residential area, which can include housing estates.
A major political or social group in some countries, especially in historical contexts like pre-revolutionary France.
the three estates · the Estates-General
Refers to social status or class, but not specifically the 'estates' of the realm. Use with caution.
フランス革命前の社会は三つの身分に分かれていた。
Pre-revolutionary French society was divided into three estates.
Specifically the Estates-General in French history. Very specific term.
1789年に三部会が召集された。
The Estates-General was convened in 1789.
A car with a longer body that has a large carrying area behind the back seats, usually with a door at the back.
an estate car · a Volvo estate
The standard Japanese term for a station wagon or estate car.
彼は家族のためにステーションワゴンを買った。
He bought an estate car for his family.
Shortened form, commonly used in conversation.
The English term 'real estate' is translated as 不動産 (ふどうさん) in Japanese. Never use エステート alone for this meaning.
団地 (だんち) specifically refers to a planned housing complex, often with uniform buildings and shared facilities. 住宅地 (じゅうたくち) is a broader term for any residential area, which may include 団地 but also other types of housing.
Specifically refers to the property that is inherited. More formal and legalistic.
相続財産の評価には時間がかかる。
Valuing the estate takes time.
この住宅地は静かで住みやすい。
This housing estate is quiet and livable.
That estate can carry a lot of luggage.