Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'parking' depends on whether you're talking about the act of parking a vehicle, a parking lot/space, or the state of being parked. The most common word is 駐車 (chūsha), but it's often used in compounds. For everyday conversation, simpler verbs like 止める (tomeru) are more natural.
Describing the action of stopping and leaving a vehicle temporarily.
The standard verb for 'to park' (a car). Used in formal and written contexts, and on signs. Slightly more formal than 止める.
Can I park here?
No Parking
The most common casual verb for 'to park' (literally 'to stop'). Use this in everyday speech. For cars, it implies parking.
Is it okay to park the car over there?
Is it all right to park here?
Means 'to stop' a vehicle, but not necessarily for parking. Used for temporary stops, like at a traffic light or to drop someone off. Not for leaving the car.
The bus has stopped.
Referring to a place where vehicles can be parked.
The general word for 'parking lot' or 'car park'. Can refer to any designated parking area.
Where is the parking lot?
Loanword from English, often used in names of parking facilities or on signs. Sounds a bit more modern or commercial.
Means 'garage' (a building for parking a car). Not a general parking lot.
Describing a vehicle that is currently parked.
Talking about parking in general terms, such as whether parking is available or difficult.
The noun form, used in compounds like 駐車問題 (parking problem) or 駐車可能 (parking available).
Parking is difficult around here.
How much is the parking fee?
止める (tomeru) is the casual, everyday verb for parking a car. 駐車する (chūsha suru) is more formal and often seen on signs or in writing. In conversation, 止める is perfectly natural and common.
Can I park here? (casual)
May I park here? (polite)
パーキング (pākingu) is a noun meaning 'parking lot', not a verb. You cannot say パーキングする for 'to park'. Use 駐車する or 止める instead.
This store has a large parking lot.
あのパーキングは安い。
That parking lot is cheap.
Refers to a single parking space or spot, rather than the whole lot.
The parking space is narrow.
I put the car in the garage.