Translation guide
A multi-unit residential building. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is マンション, though it often implies a modern, concrete building. アパート is used for smaller, often wooden buildings. Other terms exist for public housing or specific types.
The most common way to refer to an apartment building, especially a modern, mid- to high-rise concrete structure.
The default word for a modern apartment building. Despite the English origin, it does not mean a luxury condominium; it's the standard term for any concrete apartment building.
新しいマンションが駅の近くに建った。
A new apartment building was built near the station.
彼は都心のマンションに住んでいる。
He lives in an apartment building in the city center.
A formal, technical term for multi-unit housing, including apartments and condominiums. Used in official contexts or real estate.
この地域には多くの集合住宅がある。
There are many apartment buildings in this area.
Similar to 集合住宅, but slightly more common in legal or architectural contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.
共同住宅の管理組合が会議を開いた。
The apartment building's management association held a meeting.
A low-rise apartment building, typically two stories, often made of wood or light steel, with cheaper rent.
Refers to a smaller, usually wooden or light steel apartment building. Rent is generally lower than a マンション. The word is a loanword from 'apartment' but has a distinct meaning.
学生の頃は古いアパートに住んでいた。
When I was a student, I lived in an old apartment building.
アパートの大家さんはとても親切だ。
The landlord of the apartment building is very kind.
A boarding house or a small apartment building where meals may be provided. Often older style, sometimes with shared facilities. Less common today.
An apartment building provided by the government or a public corporation, often for lower-income residents.
Public housing operated by local governments. Rent is based on income. Often used for the buildings themselves.
市営の公営住宅に申し込んだ。
I applied for a municipal apartment building.
A large housing complex, often built by public entities like UR (Urban Renaissance Agency). Can refer to the entire complex of apartment buildings, not just one building.
Specifically refers to rental housing by the Urban Renaissance Agency. Often used in real estate listings.
UR賃貸住宅は保証人が不要な場合がある。
UR rental apartment buildings sometimes don't require a guarantor.
A tall, upscale apartment building, often with concierge services and high-end amenities.
A high-rise apartment building, typically over 20 stories. Often implies luxury or premium status.
タワーマンションの最上階に住むのが夢だ。
My dream is to live on the top floor of a high-rise apartment building.
Literally 'luxury apartment building'. Used for upscale buildings with high-quality construction and facilities.
高級マンションにはジムやプールが付いている。
Luxury apartment buildings come with a gym and pool.
A building containing studio or one-room apartments, often aimed at single occupants.
An apartment building consisting of studio apartments (one-room units). Common in urban areas for singles.
ワンルームマンションは家賃が比較的安い。
Studio apartment buildings have relatively cheap rent.
マンション typically refers to a modern, concrete apartment building, often mid- to high-rise. アパート refers to a smaller, usually two-story wooden or light steel building. The distinction is based on structure and size, not ownership. Both can be rented or owned. In everyday conversation, マンション is the default for most urban apartment buildings.
マンションは鉄筋コンクリート造りだが、アパートは木造が多い。
Mansions are reinforced concrete, while apāto are often wooden.
The Japanese word マンション does not mean a large, luxurious house (English 'mansion'). It simply means an apartment building. Using マンション to refer to a wealthy person's large house would cause confusion. For a mansion, use 大邸宅 (だいていたく) or 豪邸 (ごうてい).
He lives in a boarding house near the university.
There are parks and shops inside the apartment complex.