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.
宇宙にはたくさんの星がある。
There are many stars in space.
More technical term for outer space, emphasizing the physical void.
宇宙空間での実験は難しい。
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.
この部屋にはもっとスペースが必要だ。
This room needs more space.
Means 'place' or 'location', often used when talking about having space for something.
荷物を置く場所がない。
There's no space to put the luggage.
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'.
改善の余地がある。
There is space 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.
歯の隙間に食べ物が詰まった。
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.
自分のスペースが必要だ。
I need my own space.
Mental space or emotional leeway; feeling relaxed and not pressured.
忙しすぎて心の余裕がない。
I'm so busy I have no mental space.
Means 'distance', used when talking about keeping space from someone.
彼とは適度な距離を保っている。
I keep a comfortable space between him and me.
A designated area for a car or a seat in a venue.
Parking space; often shortened to just スペース in context.
駐車スペースが空いていない。
There are no parking spaces available.
Seat; used for spaces in a theater, airplane, etc.
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.
この空間を有効に使いたい。
I want to use this space effectively.
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.
Is there any space available? (e.g., on a flight)