Translation guide
The English phrase "private use" can refer to personal, non-commercial use of something, or to a facility or item reserved for a specific person or group. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on the context. For personal use, 私用 (しよう) is the standard term. For exclusive or reserved use, 専用 (せんよう) is used. Other expressions like 個人使用 (こじんしよう) or 自家用 (じかよう) are more specific.
Use for oneself, not for business or public purposes.
The most direct and common translation for 'private use', meaning personal use as opposed to business or official use.
Please do not use this copier for private use.
Using the company car for private use is prohibited.
Literally 'individual use', often used in legal or formal contexts to emphasize personal, non-commercial use.
This software is free for personal use only.
A loanword expression, 'private na shiyou', used in casual contexts but less common than 私用.
This is for private use.
Something designated for a particular person, group, or purpose, not shared with others.
Means 'exclusive use' or 'dedicated'. Commonly used for facilities, parking, lanes, etc.
This is a parking space for the exclusive use of the president.
Means 'private ownership'. Used for property, land, etc., emphasizing that it is privately owned, not public.
Means 'for private/family use', often used for vehicles (自家用車) or consumption (自家用野菜).
私用 (しよう) is about the purpose of use (personal vs. business), while 専用 (せんよう) is about exclusivity (reserved for a specific person/group). For example, a company phone used for personal calls is 私用, but a phone assigned to a specific employee is 専用.
Avoid directly translating 'private use' as プライベート使用 in formal contexts. It can sound unnatural. Use 私用 or 個人使用 instead.
This restroom is for women only.
This land is private property.
自家用車で通勤しています。
I commute by private car.