Translation guide
The English word "space" covers many concepts: outer space, physical room, gaps, and even mental breathing room. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word for each meaning.
Referring to the cosmos, beyond Earth's atmosphere.
The most common and general word for outer space or the universe.
There are many stars in space.
More technical term for outer space, emphasizing the physical void.
Experiments in outer space are difficult.
Referring to an empty area or sufficient room to do something.
Loanword from English, very common for physical space, storage space, or blank areas.
This room needs more space.
Means 'place' or 'location', often used when talking about having space for something.
Refers to space as a three-dimensional area, often used in design or architecture.
Means 'room' or 'margin', often used in abstract senses like 'room for improvement'.
Referring to an empty space between things, a blank area, or a pause.
A gap or crevice between objects; can be physical or metaphorical.
Food got stuck in the space between my teeth.
A blank space on paper or in a form; also used for a gap in time or memory.
An interval or spacing, often used for time or distance between things.
Also used for a blank space in writing or a gap in a layout.
Referring to psychological or emotional space, or not feeling crowded.
Literally 'one's own space', used for personal space or privacy.
I need my own space.
Mental space or emotional leeway; feeling relaxed and not pressured.
I'm so busy I have no mental space.
Means 'distance', used when talking about keeping space from someone.
A designated area for a car or a seat in a venue.
While スペース is versatile, it's not natural for outer space (use 宇宙) or gaps (use 隙間). Overusing スペース can sound like English-influenced Japanese.
スペース is casual and common for physical room. 場所 is 'place' and often implies a specific location. 空間 is more abstract and formal, used in design or philosophy.
There's no space to put the luggage.
この空間を有効に使いたい。
I want to use this space effectively.
There is space for improvement.
名前を書く空白を残してください。
Please leave a space to write your name.
電車は5分間隔で来る。
Trains come at 5-minute intervals.
単語の間にスペースを入れてください。
Please put a space between the words.
I keep a comfortable space between him and me.
Is there any space available? (e.g., on a flight)