Translation guide
A room available for rent, typically in a shared house or as a lodging. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with signs, set phrases, or descriptive sentences rather than a single word.
The most common way to see 'room to let' in Japan is on signs outside buildings or in advertisements.
Literally 'vacant room available'. This is the standard sign or advertisement phrase for a room for rent, especially in apartment buildings or shared houses.
アパートの前に「空室あり」の看板が出ていた。
There was a sign saying 'Room to Let' in front of the apartment.
Means 'now accepting tenants'. Often used on signs or online listings for rooms or apartments.
このマンションは入居者募集中です。
This apartment building has rooms to let.
Literally 'room for rent available'. An older or more traditional phrase, sometimes seen on signs for rooms in private homes.
下宿の前に「貸間あり」と書いてあった。
It said 'Room to Let' in front of the boarding house.
When talking about a room that is available to rent, you describe the situation rather than using a set phrase.
Pattern meaning 'there is a vacant room at ~'. Use the location or building name before に.
私のアパートに空き部屋があります。
There's a room to let in my apartment building.
Pattern meaning 'renting out a room at ~'. Used when someone is actively offering a room for rent.
友達が家の一部を改装して部屋を貸している。
My friend renovated part of their house and has a room to let.
Means 'currently renting out a room'. More formal or written style, often in listings.
現在、1階の部屋を貸し出し中です。
We currently have a room to let on the first floor.
How to inquire about room availability, for example when looking for a place to stay.
Polite way to ask 'Do you have any vacant rooms?'. Suitable for inquiring at a guesthouse or when looking for a rental.
すみません、空いている部屋はありますか？
Excuse me, do you have a room to let?
Means 'I'd like to rent a room...'. A natural way to start a conversation when looking for a room.
この辺りで部屋を借りたいんですが、何か情報はありますか？
I'm looking for a room to let around here, do you have any information?
In Japan, 'room to let' is almost always seen as a sign or advertisement phrase. In spoken Japanese, you would describe the situation rather than use a direct translation of the English phrase.
A direct translation like 「貸すための部屋」 is unnatural. Use the set phrases or patterns provided.
彼らは「空室あり」の看板を出した。
They put up a 'Room to Let' sign.
あの家に空き部屋があると聞きました。
I heard there's a room to let in that house.