Translation guide
The English word "park" can refer to a public green space, the act of leaving a vehicle, or the act of sitting down or placing something temporarily. This guide covers the most common Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A public area with grass, trees, and often playgrounds or benches, used for recreation.
To stop and leave a vehicle in a designated area.
The standard verb for parking a vehicle. Used for cars, bicycles, etc.
ここに駐車してもいいですか。
Can I park here?
To put oneself or something in a particular place for a short time, often informally.
Used for 'park oneself' meaning to sit down, often casually.
The loanword パーク (pāku) exists but is mainly used in proper names like 日比谷パーク (Hibiya Park) or in compounds like テーマパーク (theme park). For a regular park, always use 公園.
駐車する is more formal and often used in official contexts or signs. 停める is casual and common in everyday speech. Both are correct for parking a vehicle.
The standard word for a public park. Used for any size, from small neighborhood parks to large national parks.
週末は公園でピクニックをした。
We had a picnic in the park on the weekend.
子供たちは公園で遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the park.
Refers to a garden or landscaped park, often with a more formal or aesthetic design, like a Japanese garden or botanical garden.
この庭園は美しい日本庭園で有名だ。
This park is famous for its beautiful Japanese garden.
Specifically an amusement park. Not used for a regular green park.
ディズニーランドは有名な遊園地です。
Disneyland is a famous amusement park.
He parked the car in the parking lot.
A more casual verb meaning 'to stop' or 'to park' a vehicle. Often used in spoken Japanese.
あそこに車を停めよう。
Let's park the car over there.
Specifically for parking a bicycle. Not used for cars.
駅前に自転車を駐輪しないでください。
Please do not park your bicycle in front of the station.
ちょっとここに座って待ってて。
Just park yourself here and wait a bit.
General verb for placing an object somewhere. Can be used for 'parking' something temporarily.
荷物をそこに置いてもいい？
Can I park my stuff there?