Translation guide
How to refer to the person or people living in or using a particular space, such as a house, room, vehicle, or building.
The person or people who live in a particular residence.
Formal term for a resident or occupant of a building. Common in official contexts like contracts or notices.
Someone who is currently inside a room, vehicle, or enclosed space, regardless of whether they live there.
Literally 'the person inside'. Used when referring to someone present in a room, car, etc.
部屋の中にいる人に出てきてもらえますか？
Could you ask the occupant of the room to come out?
The person currently holding a particular job, office, or position.
A flexible phrase meaning 'the person in that position'. Can be adapted to various contexts.
現在その地位にある人は辞任を表明した。
The current occupant of that position has announced their resignation.
占有者 (せんゆうしゃ) is a legal term implying possession or exclusive use. Using it for a neighbor or housemate sounds unnatural and overly technical. Stick to 住人 or 住んでいる人 for normal situations.
隣の占有者
the occupant next door (unnatural)
このマンションの居住者は駐車場を使えます。
Occupants of this apartment building can use the parking lot.
Literally 'resident', used for people living in a house, apartment, or area. Slightly less formal than 居住者.
隣の住人はとても静かです。
The occupant next door is very quiet.
A plain, everyday way to say 'the person who lives there'. Natural in conversation.
この家に住んでいる人は誰ですか？
Who is the occupant of this house?
Legal/technical term for 'occupant' in the sense of someone who possesses or occupies a space. Rare in daily speech.
事故当時、車両の占有者は運転手のみでした。
At the time of the accident, the only occupant of the vehicle was the driver.
Specifically refers to the incumbent of an official post. Common in news and business.
新社長は前の在任者より若い。
The new president is younger than the previous occupant of the post.