Translation guide
Places to stay temporarily, such as hotels, inns, or rented rooms. In Japanese, the most common word is 宿 (yado) or 宿泊施設 (shukuhaku shisetsu), but the best choice depends on the type and context.
The speaker wants to refer to a place to stay, such as a hotel, inn, or rented room, without specifying the type.
A general, slightly traditional word for a place to stay. Can refer to inns, hotels, or even someone's home where you stay. Common in set phrases like 宿を取る (to take lodgings).
I'm looking for lodgings for tonight.
A formal, collective term for accommodation facilities (hotels, inns, etc.). Often used in official contexts or travel guides.
There are few lodgings in this area.
A casual, everyday phrase meaning 'a place to stay'. Very natural in conversation.
I'm looking for cheap lodgings.
The speaker specifically means a Japanese-style inn, often with tatami rooms, onsen, and meals included.
A traditional Japanese inn. Typically features tatami rooms, communal baths, and kaiseki meals. The standard word for this type of lodging.
I want to stay at a traditional inn in Kyoto.
A family-run, budget-friendly Japanese inn, similar to a bed and breakfast. Often more casual and homey than a ryokan.
The speaker means a room or apartment rented for a short period, often weekly or monthly, not a hotel.
A rented room in a private house, often with meals provided. Common for students or long-term guests. Can also refer to the act of boarding.
I'm looking for lodgings (a rented room) near the university.
The speaker is referring to accommodation arranged as part of a trip, often with transportation included.
Means 'with lodging included'. Used in travel packages, e.g., 宿泊付きツアー (tour with accommodation).
I booked a package tour with lodgings included.
The speaker needs a place to stay due to an emergency, disaster, or being stranded.
宿 (yado) is a broad, somewhat traditional term for any place to stay. ホテル (hoteru) specifically means a Western-style hotel. 旅館 (ryokan) is a Japanese-style inn. Use 宿 when you want a general word, or when the type doesn't matter. In modern conversation, ホテル is often used for hotels, and 旅館 for traditional inns.
Have you decided on your lodgings?
I'll stay at a business hotel.
宿泊 (shukuhaku) means 'overnight stay' or 'accommodation' as an abstract concept or action, not a physical place. Saying 宿泊を探す sounds unnatural; use 宿 or 泊まるところ instead.
(unnatural) I'm looking for lodgings.
We found lodgings for the night at a small inn.
一夜の宿 (いちやのやど) is a set phrase meaning 'lodgings for the night'.
The price includes board and lodging.
Here, 宿泊 means 'lodging' as part of a package.
民宿は旅館より安いことが多い。
Minshuku are often cheaper than ryokan.
A furnished apartment rented by the week or month. Common for business travelers or people relocating.
During the business trip, I stayed in a weekly apartment.
The airline arranged emergency lodgings for us.
I'm looking for a place to stay.