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.
He owns a vast estate in the suburbs.
Emphasizes the grand residence on the estate. Often used for luxurious mansions.
The estate is surrounded by vast gardens.
A large mansion, often implying the entire estate.
She has a country estate in England.
A traditional Japanese mansion or estate, often with historical connotations.
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
An area of land on which many houses are built together, often by a single developer.
a council estate · a housing estate
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.
Pre-revolutionary French society was divided into three estates.
Specifically the Estates-General in French history. Very specific term.
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 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.
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.