Translation guide
Describes a place, seat, or position that is empty, vacant, or not currently in use. Japanese expressions vary depending on whether you're talking about a room, a seat, a toilet, a job position, or a state of being free.
Describing a seat, room, or physical space that is empty and available for use.
The most common and natural way to say a seat, room, or space is vacant/available. Uses the verb 空く (あく) in its -te iru form to describe the state.
この席は空いていますか？
Is this seat taken?
Do you have any vacant rooms?
A noun meaning vacancy or empty space. Often used in compounds like 空き部屋 (vacant room) or 空き席 (vacant seat).
空き部屋を探しています。
I'm looking for a vacant room.
Indicating that a toilet stall or bathroom is vacant.
Same as above, but specifically for toilets. Very common.
トイレが空いていますか？
Is the toilet free?
Literally 'not in use'. More formal or written, like on a sign.
このトイレは使用中ではありません。
This toilet is not in use.
Describing a job opening or unfilled position.
Literally 'empty seat', used for job vacancies. Common in business contexts.
現在、空席はありません。
There are currently no vacancies.
Refers to a vacancy due to someone leaving or a position being unfilled. More formal.
Describing a person who is not occupied with tasks and has free time.
Idiom meaning 'hands are free', i.e., not busy. Very natural for saying you're available to help.
今、手が空いていますか？
Are you free right now?
Means free time or not busy. Can sound like you have nothing to do, so use carefully.
Can imply 'I have nothing to do' which might be seen as lazy. 手が空いている is safer for offering help.
今日は暇ですか？
Are you free today?
Describing a house, building, or area with no people living there.
Means uninhabited or unmanned. Used for deserted islands, empty houses, etc.
その家はもう無人です。
That house is now unoccupied.
Specifically a vacant house. Common in real estate.
欠員が出たので、募集します。
A vacancy has opened up, so we are hiring.
The number of vacant houses is increasing.