Translation guide
A pachinko parlor is a gambling establishment in Japan where people play pachinko, a pinball-like game. This entry explains how to refer to such places in Japanese.
The most common and neutral way to refer to a pachinko parlor.
The most common, everyday term. '屋' (ya) is a suffix for shops or establishments.
Referring to a pachinko parlor by its chain name or type.
Many pachinko parlors are part of chains. You can simply use the chain name followed by パチンコ, or just the chain name if context is clear.
Let's go to Maruhan pachinko.
Pachinko parlors are ubiquitous in Japan. They are often brightly lit and noisy. While technically not gambling for cash (due to legal loopholes), they are effectively gambling establishments. The term 'パチンコ屋' is widely understood and used in daily conversation.
あのパチンコ屋はいつも混んでいる。
That pachinko parlor is always crowded.
A slightly more formal term, often used in writing or official contexts. '店' (ten) means 'shop' or 'store'.
A new pachinko parlor opened in front of the station.
A term used within the industry or in formal descriptions. 'ホール' (hōru) comes from 'hall'.
Pachinko parlors are densely concentrated in this area.
Some parlors focus on slot machines (pachislot). This term means 'slot specialty shop'.
That place is a slot-only parlor, so there are no pachinko machines.