Translation guide
A room with tatami mat flooring, a traditional Japanese style room. The concept is culturally specific, so direct translation is often used, but there are several Japanese terms depending on context.
Referring to a room that has tatami mats, typically in a Japanese-style house or inn.
The standard term for a Japanese-style room with tatami. Used in hotels, homes, and real estate.
この旅館には和室があります。
This inn has tatami rooms.
Literally 'tatami room'. A straightforward description, but less common as a set term than 和室.
畳の部屋でお茶を飲みましょう。
Let's have tea in the tatami room.
Referring to a tatami room in a private house, often used as a living or guest room.
A traditional tatami room, often used for receiving guests or as a formal living space. Implies a certain formality.
奥の座敷に通された。
I was shown into the inner tatami room.
A family room or living room, traditionally with tatami. More casual than 座敷.
Referring to a tatami room in a restaurant, ryokan, or other establishment.
Polite form of 座敷, commonly used in service contexts to refer to a tatami room.
お座敷のご予約はこちらです。
Reservations for the tatami room are here.
Private room, often but not always tatami. Specify 和室個室 if needed.
Referring to a tatami room by its traditional function or name.
A tea ceremony room, always tatami. Very specific.
茶室でお茶会が開かれた。
A tea gathering was held in the tea room.
A large hall or spacious room, often tatami in traditional buildings.
和室 (washitsu) is a Japanese-style room with tatami, while 洋室 (youshitsu) is a Western-style room with wooden or carpeted flooring. When booking accommodation, these terms are commonly used.
和室と洋室、どちらがよろしいですか？
Which would you prefer, a Japanese-style room or a Western-style room?
In English, 'tatami room' is widely understood and often used in travel contexts. You can simply say 'tatami room' when speaking English, but knowing the Japanese terms helps when reading signs or making reservations in Japanese.
I watch TV with my family in the tatami living room.
I'd like to reserve a private tatami room.
We have a banquet in the large tatami hall.