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.
ここに駐車できますか。
Can I park here?
駐車禁止
No Parking
The most common casual verb for 'to park' (literally 'to stop'). Use this in everyday speech. For cars, it implies parking.
あそこに車を止めていい？
Is it okay to park the car over there?
ここに止めても大丈夫ですか。
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.
バスが停車しました。
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.
駐車場はどこですか。
Where is the parking lot?
この店には広い駐車場がある。
This store has a large 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.
車庫に車を入れた。
I put the car in the garage.
Describing a vehicle that is currently parked.
The te-iru form of 駐車する, meaning 'is parked'. Used for the ongoing state.
あそこに車が駐車している。
A car is parked over there.
The intransitive verb 止まる (tomaru) in te-iru form, meaning 'is stopped/parked'. More casual than 駐車している.
家の前に車が止まっている。
A car is parked in front of the house.
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).
この辺は駐車が難しい。
Parking is difficult around here.
駐車料金はいくらですか。
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.
ここに止めてもいい？
Can I park here? (casual)
ここに駐車してもいいですか。
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.
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.
駐車スペースが狭い。
The parking space is narrow.