Translation guide
The English word "quarters" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: living accommodations, a fourth part, and a place or group. It does not cover every possible Japanese translation.
Referring to a place to live, especially provided for a specific group (military, servants, etc.)
Referring to a quarter of something, 1/4.
Standard way to say one quarter.
ケーキを四分の一に切ってください。
Please cut the cake into quarters.
Referring to a particular area of a city, or a group of people (often in plural).
General word for district, area, or quarter of a city.
The English word 'quarter' can also mean a 25-cent coin. In Japanese, that is 25セント硬貨 (にじゅうごセントこうか) or simply クォーター. This guide does not cover that meaning.
In English, 'quarters' is often plural for living accommodations, but the Japanese equivalents are not pluralized. Use the same word regardless of number.
Common word for quarters, barracks, or dormitory, especially for military, company, or official housing.
彼は官舎ではなく、民間のアパートに住んでいる。
He lives in a private apartment, not in official quarters.
Specifically government or official quarters.
新しい官舎が建設中です。
New official quarters are under construction.
Military barracks or quarters for soldiers.
兵舎は基地の北側にある。
The barracks are on the north side of the base.
General word for residence or dwelling; can be used for quarters in a broad sense, but less specific.
使用人には住居が提供された。
The servants were provided with quarters.
Specifically a quarter of a year (business/fiscal quarter).
第1四半期の売上は好調だった。
Sales in the first quarter were strong.
Loanword from English, used in sports (e.g., basketball quarters) or sometimes in business contexts.
第2クォーターで逆転した。
They turned the game around in the second quarter.
その地区には多くのレストランがある。
There are many restaurants in that quarter.
Can mean 'quarter' as in 'from a certain quarter' (source of information, support).
信頼できる方面からの情報です。
This information comes from reliable quarters.
Neighborhood, area; often used in a more local or community sense.
あの界隈は夜になると静かだ。
That quarter becomes quiet at night.