Translation guide
A haunted house can refer to a building believed to be inhabited by ghosts, or to an amusement attraction designed to scare people. The Japanese expressions differ depending on which meaning you intend.
A house or building that is believed to be occupied by spirits or ghosts.
The most common and direct translation for a haunted house in the supernatural sense. Literally 'ghost mansion'.
あの幽霊屋敷には近づかないほうがいいよ。
You'd better stay away from that haunted house.
A commercial attraction, such as at a theme park or festival, designed to scare visitors with actors, props, and special effects.
幽霊屋敷 (yuurei yashiki) almost always means a genuinely haunted house in the supernatural sense. お化け屋敷 (obake yashiki) can mean either a real haunted house or an amusement attraction. In modern usage, お化け屋敷 is more common for attractions, while 幽霊屋敷 is preferred for 'real' hauntings.
If you want to avoid ambiguity, use 幽霊屋敷 for a real haunted house and お化け屋敷 for an attraction. In context, Japanese speakers usually understand which one you mean.
Often used for haunted houses in a more folkloric or traditional sense, but can also refer to a haunted attraction. Context usually clarifies.
This word is also the standard term for a haunted house amusement attraction. In conversation, clarify if needed.
村はずれにお化け屋敷があるらしい。
There seems to be a haunted house on the outskirts of the village.
Refers to a 'haunted spot' or location known for paranormal activity, not necessarily a house. Common in modern ghost-hunting contexts.
あの廃墟は有名な心霊スポットだ。
That ruin is a famous haunted spot.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a house where ghosts appear'. Natural and clear.
彼女は幽霊が出る家に住んでいる。
She lives in a haunted house.
The standard term for a haunted house attraction. Used for both temporary festival setups and permanent theme park rides.
遊園地でお化け屋敷に入った。
I went into the haunted house at the amusement park.
A loanword from English, often used for modern or Western-style horror attractions.
今年のハロウィンイベントには巨大なホラーハウスが登場する。
A huge haunted house will appear at this year's Halloween event.
Literally 'house of terror', sometimes used as a name for specific attractions. Not a generic term.
そのテーマパークの「恐怖の館」はとても怖い。
The 'House of Terror' at that theme park is very scary.