Translation guide
A room available for rent, typically in a shared house or as a lodging. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with signs, set phrases, or descriptive sentences rather than a single word.
The most common way to see 'room to let' in Japan is on signs outside buildings or in advertisements.
Literally 'vacant room available'. This is the standard sign or advertisement phrase for a room for rent, especially in apartment buildings or shared houses.
There was a sign saying 'Room to Let' in front of the apartment.
Means 'now accepting tenants'. Often used on signs or online listings for rooms or apartments.
Literally 'room for rent available'. An older or more traditional phrase, sometimes seen on signs for rooms in private homes.
When talking about a room that is available to rent, you describe the situation rather than using a set phrase.
Pattern meaning 'there is a vacant room at ~'. Use the location or building name before に.
There's a room to let in my apartment building.
Pattern meaning 'renting out a room at ~'. Used when someone is actively offering a room for rent.
Means 'currently renting out a room'. More formal or written style, often in listings.
How to inquire about room availability, for example when looking for a place to stay.
Polite way to ask 'Do you have any vacant rooms?'. Suitable for inquiring at a guesthouse or when looking for a rental.
Excuse me, do you have a room to let?
Means 'I'd like to rent a room...'. A natural way to start a conversation when looking for a room.
In Japan, 'room to let' is almost always seen as a sign or advertisement phrase. In spoken Japanese, you would describe the situation rather than use a direct translation of the English phrase.
A direct translation like 「貸すための部屋」 is unnatural. Use the set phrases or patterns provided.
They put up a 'Room to Let' sign.
I heard there's a room to let in that house.
This apartment building has rooms to let.
It said 'Room to Let' in front of the boarding house.
My friend renovated part of their house and has a room to let.
We currently have a room to let on the first floor.
I'm looking for a room to let around here, do you have any information?