Translation guide
The English word 'vacant' describes something empty, unoccupied, or available. In Japanese, the translation depends on what is vacant: a seat, a room, a job position, or an abstract state like a vacant expression.
Describing a physical space like a seat, room, house, or parking spot that is not currently being used by anyone.
The most common and natural way to say something is vacant or unoccupied. It's the progressive form of 空く (あく), meaning 'to become empty'. Used for seats, rooms, tables, etc.
Is this seat vacant?
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).
I'm looking for a vacant room.
A more formal term for a vacant room, often used in real estate or hotel contexts.
There are currently no vacant rooms.
Referring to a job, position, or role that is open and needs to be filled.
Literally 'empty seat', but commonly used for a vacant position or post in an organization.
The manager's position is vacant.
Refers to a vacancy due to someone leaving or a shortage of staff. More formal.
Can also be used for job vacancies in casual contexts, e.g., 空きが出る (a vacancy opens up).
Describing land, a lot, or a building that is empty and unused.
Describing a person's face or eyes that show no thought or emotion, as if empty.
A na-adjective meaning 'vacant', 'hollow', or 'blank'. Used for eyes, expressions, or gazes.
He was staring out the window with vacant eyes.
Means 'vacant', 'absent-minded', or 'vague'. Can describe a person's expression or behavior.
She sat with a vacant expression.
欠員を補充する必要がある。
We need to fill the vacant positions.
A vacancy is expected to open up next month.
There are many vacant houses in this area.