Translation guide
A house that stands alone, not attached to any other dwelling. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed as 一戸建て (ikkodate), but other terms exist depending on context.
To refer to a house that is not attached to any other building, the most common and general term.
The standard term for a detached house, used in real estate, everyday conversation, and official contexts. Literally 'one-house building'.
一戸建てに住みたいです。
I want to live in a detached house.
このエリアは一戸建てが多い。
There are many detached houses in this area.
A shorter, more casual version of 一戸建て. Commonly used in conversation and real estate ads.
戸建てを探しています。
I'm looking for a detached house.
When contrasting with an apartment or condominium, to emphasize the standalone nature.
Used in contrast to マンション (apartment/condo) or アパート (apartment).
マンションより一戸建ての方が静かです。
A detached house is quieter than an apartment.
Casual contrast with apartments.
To emphasize that the house is owned, often with land, as opposed to rented.
Refers to an owned house, typically a detached house, but can also include owned apartments. Focuses on ownership rather than structure.
持ち家を買うのが夢です。
My dream is to buy my own house.
Often implies ownership, but not exclusively. Can be used for rented detached houses as well.
To refer to the physical building of a house, not necessarily emphasizing detachment.
General word for house, home, or building. Can refer to any type of house, but in context often implies a detached house.
あの家は大きいですね。
That house is big, isn't it?
Literally 'one house', emphasizes a single, standalone house. Often used in real estate or when describing a property.
Used in official documents, real estate listings, or formal descriptions.
Formal term for a detached house, literally 'independent residence'. Used in legal or architectural contexts.
この地域は独立住宅が建ち並んでいる。
This area is lined with detached houses.
More formal version of 一戸建て, often used in official documents.
一戸建て住宅の需要が高まっている。
Demand for detached houses is increasing.
Both mean detached house, but 一戸建て is more common in modern real estate and everyday speech. 一軒家 has a slightly more traditional or literary feel and is often used when counting houses (一軒、二軒). 一戸建て emphasizes the building type, while 一軒家 emphasizes the individual house as a unit.
家 (いえ) simply means 'house' or 'home' and does not specify detachment. If you need to be clear that it's not an apartment, use 一戸建て or 戸建て.
I prefer a detached house, not an apartment.
一戸建てを購入しました。
I purchased a detached house.
一軒家を借りることにした。
We decided to rent a detached house.