Translation guide
The physical area where one lives, including rooms, dwellings, and the broader concept of habitable area. Japanese expressions vary by context: a room in a house, the entire dwelling, or the abstract notion of space for living.
Refers to a specific room or part of a house used for everyday activities, like a living room or family room.
A traditional Japanese living room, often with tatami mats, used for family gatherings. Common in houses.
家族は居間に集まってテレビを見ます。
The family gathers in the living room to watch TV.
Loanword from English 'living', short for リビングルーム. Refers to a Western-style living room, common in modern apartments.
Refers to the whole house, apartment, or residence where one lives.
Formal term for a dwelling or residence. Used in official contexts like contracts or descriptions.
この地域の住居は高価です。
Housing in this area is expensive.
A slightly poetic or warm term for one's home or dwelling. Often used in real estate or personal descriptions.
The most common word for 'house' or 'home'. Can refer to the physical building or the concept of home.
Refers to residential buildings or housing in general. Common in news and official contexts.
Focuses on the physical area or volume of a living environment, often in terms of size or spaciousness.
Direct translation of 'living space' as habitable area. Used in real estate or architectural contexts.
このマンションは居住スペースが狭いです。
This apartment has limited living space.
Literally 'living space', emphasizing the space where daily life happens. Can be used broadly.
生活空間を広くするために模様替えをしました。
I rearranged the room to make the living space more spacious.
Loanword meaning 'space'. Often used in casual conversation about roominess.
Refers to the idea of having a habitable environment, sometimes tied to quality of life or human needs.
Formal term for living space as an architectural or urban planning concept.
都市計画では居住空間の質が重要視されます。
In urban planning, the quality of living space is emphasized.
Literally 'place of living', a more abstract and warm expression for one's living environment.
この街は私にとって大切な生活の場です。
This town is an important living space for me.
While 生活空間 (せいかつくうかん) is a valid translation, it can sound overly technical. In everyday talk, use リビング for living room, 家 for home, or スペース for space.
居間 (いま) traditionally refers to a Japanese-style room with tatami, while リビング (りびんぐ) is a Western-style living room. Modern homes may have both or use リビング as the default.
リビングが広いアパートを探しています。
I'm looking for an apartment with a spacious living room.
Full form of リビング, slightly more formal or explicit.
リビングルームの家具を新しくしました。
I replaced the furniture in the living room.
I'm looking for a comfortable place to live.
I moved to a new house.
都市部では住宅が不足しています。
There is a housing shortage in urban areas.
この部屋はスペースが足りない。
This room doesn't have enough space.