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.
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.
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.
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.
The occupant next door is very quiet.
A plain, everyday way to say 'the person who lives there'. Natural in conversation.
Who is the occupant of this house?
Could you ask the occupant of the room to come out?
Legal/technical term for 'occupant' in the sense of someone who possesses or occupies a space. Rare in daily speech.
At the time of the accident, the only occupant of the vehicle was the driver.
The current occupant of that position has announced their resignation.
Specifically refers to the incumbent of an official post. Common in news and business.
The new president is younger than the previous occupant of the post.