Translation guide
The English word 'lounge' can refer to a place to relax, the act of relaxing in a lazy way, or a type of chair. This guide covers the most useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a comfortable public or private space for sitting and relaxing.
The most direct loanword for a lounge in hotels, airports, or upscale bars. Widely understood.
Let's meet in the hotel lounge.
The airport lounge is very comfortable.
Literally 'break room,' used for staff lounges or rest areas in offices, schools, etc.
Employees eat lunch in the lounge.
A common room or lounge for conversation, often in dormitories, hospitals, or community centers.
Students are relaxing in the lounge.
Describing the action of lounging around, often implying idleness.
A common onomatopoeic verb meaning to laze around, be idle, or do nothing productive. Often used for lounging at home.
I lounged around at home on Sunday.
Means to take it easy, relax without hurry. Less negative than だらだらする; implies a pleasant, leisurely time.
I like lounging in the park on my days off.
To lie down or sprawl out, often on a sofa or floor. Focuses on the physical posture of lounging.
To relax and make oneself comfortable, often in a home or informal setting. More about feeling at ease than physical laziness.
Referring to a lounge chair, chaise longue, or recliner.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to lounge.' Use phrases like だらだらする or のんびりする depending on the nuance. Using ラウンジする is not natural Japanese.
ソファに寝そべってテレビを見た。
I lounged on the sofa and watched TV.
リビングでくつろいでください。
Please make yourself comfortable in the lounge.
I put a lounge chair on the veranda.