Translation guide
The English word 'vacant' describes something empty, unoccupied, or available. In Japanese, the translation depends on what is vacant: a seat, a room, a job position, or an abstract state like a vacant expression.
Describing a physical space like a seat, room, house, or parking spot that is not currently being used by anyone.
The most common and natural way to say something is vacant or unoccupied. It's the progressive form of 空く (あく), meaning 'to become empty'. Used for seats, rooms, tables, etc.
この席は空いていますか？
Is this seat vacant?
Do you have any vacant rooms?
A noun meaning 'vacancy' or 'empty space'. Often used in compounds like 空き部屋 (vacant room) or 空き席 (vacant seat).
空き部屋を探しています。
I'm looking for a vacant room.
A more formal term for a vacant room, often used in real estate or hotel contexts.
現在、空室はございません。
There are currently no vacant rooms.
Referring to a job, position, or role that is open and needs to be filled.
Literally 'empty seat', but commonly used for a vacant position or post in an organization.
部長のポストが空席だ。
The manager's position is vacant.
Refers to a vacancy due to someone leaving or a shortage of staff. More formal.
Can also be used for job vacancies in casual contexts, e.g., 空きが出る (a vacancy opens up).
来月、空きが出る予定です。
A vacancy is expected to open up next month.
Describing land, a lot, or a building that is empty and unused.
The standard term for a vacant lot or empty plot of land.
子供たちは空き地で遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the vacant lot.
A vacant house. Often used in discussions of rural depopulation.
Describing a person's face or eyes that show no thought or emotion, as if empty.
A na-adjective meaning 'vacant', 'hollow', or 'blank'. Used for eyes, expressions, or gazes.
彼は虚ろな目で窓の外を見ていた。
He was staring out the window with vacant eyes.
Means 'vacant', 'absent-minded', or 'vague'. Can describe a person's expression or behavior.
彼女はぼんやりした表情で座っていた。
She sat with a vacant expression.
欠員を補充する必要がある。
We need to fill the vacant positions.
There are many vacant houses in this area.