Translation guide
Places to stay temporarily, such as hotels, inns, or rented rooms. In Japanese, the most common word is 宿 (yado) or 宿泊施設 (shukuhaku shisetsu), but the best choice depends on the type and context.
The speaker wants to refer to a place to stay, such as a hotel, inn, or rented room, without specifying the type.
A general, slightly traditional word for a place to stay. Can refer to inns, hotels, or even someone's home where you stay. Common in set phrases like 宿を取る (to take lodgings).
今夜の宿を探しています。
I'm looking for lodgings for tonight.
A formal, collective term for accommodation facilities (hotels, inns, etc.). Often used in official contexts or travel guides.
この地域には宿泊施設が少ない。
There are few lodgings in this area.
A casual, everyday phrase meaning 'a place to stay'. Very natural in conversation.
安い泊まるところを探してるんだ。
I'm looking for cheap lodgings.
The speaker specifically means a Japanese-style inn, often with tatami rooms, onsen, and meals included.
A traditional Japanese inn. Typically features tatami rooms, communal baths, and kaiseki meals. The standard word for this type of lodging.
京都の旅館に泊まりたいです。
I want to stay at a traditional inn in Kyoto.
A family-run, budget-friendly Japanese inn, similar to a bed and breakfast. Often more casual and homey than a ryokan.
The speaker means a room or apartment rented for a short period, often weekly or monthly, not a hotel.
A rented room in a private house, often with meals provided. Common for students or long-term guests. Can also refer to the act of boarding.
大学の近くで下宿を探しています。
I'm looking for lodgings (a rented room) near the university.
The speaker is referring to accommodation arranged as part of a trip, often with transportation included.
Means 'with lodging included'. Used in travel packages, e.g., 宿泊付きツアー (tour with accommodation).
宿泊付きのパック旅行を予約した。
I booked a package tour with lodgings included.
The speaker needs a place to stay due to an emergency, disaster, or being stranded.
An evacuation shelter, often used during disasters. Provides temporary lodging.
地震の後、避難所で一夜を過ごした。
After the earthquake, we spent the night at an evacuation shelter.
Emergency accommodation. Used in formal contexts, such as when a flight is canceled.
航空会社が緊急宿泊を手配してくれた。
The airline arranged emergency lodgings for us.
宿 (yado) is a broad, somewhat traditional term for any place to stay. ホテル (hoteru) specifically means a Western-style hotel. 旅館 (ryokan) is a Japanese-style inn. Use 宿 when you want a general word, or when the type doesn't matter. In modern conversation, ホテル is often used for hotels, and 旅館 for traditional inns.
宿は決まりましたか？
Have you decided on your lodgings?
ビジネスホテルに泊まります。
I'll stay at a business hotel.
宿泊 (shukuhaku) means 'overnight stay' or 'accommodation' as an abstract concept or action, not a physical place. Saying 宿泊を探す sounds unnatural; use 宿 or 泊まるところ instead.
✕ 宿泊を探しています。
(unnatural) I'm looking for lodgings.
◯ 泊まるところを探しています。
I'm looking for a place to stay.
私たちは小さな旅館に一夜の宿を見つけた。
We found lodgings for the night at a small inn.
一夜の宿 (いちやのやど) is a set phrase meaning 'lodgings for the night'.
料金には食事と宿泊が含まれています。
The price includes board and lodging.
Here, 宿泊 means 'lodging' as part of a package.
民宿は旅館より安いことが多い。
Minshuku are often cheaper than ryokan.
A furnished apartment rented by the week or month. Common for business travelers or people relocating.
出張中はウィークリーマンションに滞在した。
During the business trip, I stayed in a weekly apartment.