Introduction
Renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner becomes much easier when you understand key Japanese terms. From reading your lease to communicating with your landlord, knowing the right vocabulary can prevent misunderstandings and help you navigate daily life with confidence.
Lease and Contract Terms
| Japanese |
Reading |
Meaning |
| 賃貸借契約 |
chintaishaku keiyaku |
Rental/lease agreement |
| 敷金 |
shikikin |
Security deposit |
| 礼金 |
reikin |
Key money (non-refundable gift to landlord) |
| 仲介手数料 |
chuukai tesuuryou |
Agency fee |
| 家賃 |
yachin |
Monthly rent |
| 管理費 |
kanrihi |
Management/maintenance fee |
| 更新料 |
koushinryou |
Lease renewal fee |
| 解約 |
kaiyaku |
Cancellation of contract |
| 退去 |
taikyo |
Moving out / vacating |
| 入居 |
nyuukyo |
Moving in |
| 保証人 |
hoshounin |
Guarantor |
| 保証会社 |
hoshougaisha |
Guarantee company (alternative to guarantor) |
Apartment Features and Rooms
| Japanese |
Reading |
Meaning |
| 玄関 |
genkan |
Entryway/foyer |
| リビング |
ribingu |
Living room |
| 洋室 |
youshitsu |
Western-style room (with flooring) |
| 和室 |
washitsu |
Japanese-style room (tatami) |
| 浴室 |
yokushitsu |
Bathroom (with bathtub) |
| トイレ |
toire |
Toilet (separate room) |
| 台所・キッチン |
daidokoro / kicchin |
Kitchen |
| バルコニー |
barukonii |
Balcony |
| 収納 |
shuunou |
Storage/closet |
| エアコン |
eakon |
Air conditioner |
| 給湯器 |
kyuutouuki |
Water heater |
| オートロック |
ootoo rokku |
Auto-lock door system |
Common Abbreviations in Listings
| Abbreviation |
Meaning |
| 1K |
1 room + kitchen |
| 1DK |
1 room + dining/kitchen |
| 1LDK |
1 room + living/dining/kitchen |
| 2LDK |
2 rooms + living/dining/kitchen |
| 築年数 |
Age of building (years since construction) |
| 徒歩○分 |
○ minutes walk from station |
| 南向き |
South-facing |
| 角部屋 |
Corner unit |
| 新築 |
Newly built |
| ペット可 |
Pets allowed |
| 駐車場 |
Parking available |
Talking with Your Landlord / Management
| Japanese |
Reading |
Meaning |
| 修理をお願いしたいのですが |
Shuuri wo onegaishitai no desu ga |
I'd like to request a repair |
| 〜が壊れています |
～ga kowarete imasu |
The ~ is broken |
| 水漏れがあります |
Mizu more ga arimasu |
There is a water leak |
| 騒音の問題があります |
Souon no mondai ga arimasu |
There is a noise problem |
| 退去の連絡をしたいのですが |
Taikyo no renraku wo shitai no desu ga |
I'd like to notify you of my move-out |
| 鍵をなくしました |
Kagi wo nakushimashita |
I lost my key |
Useful Everyday Phrases
| Japanese |
Reading |
Meaning |
| よろしくお願いします |
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu |
Nice to meet you / I'm in your care |
| ありがとうございます |
Arigatou gozaimasu |
Thank you very much |
| すみません |
Sumimasen |
Excuse me / Sorry |
| わかりました |
Wakarimashita |
I understand |
| もう一度お願いします |
Mou ichido onegaishimasu |
Please say that again |
| 日本語がよくわかりません |
Nihongo ga yoku wakarimasen |
I don't understand Japanese very well |
| 英語で話せますか？ |
Eigo de hanasemasu ka? |
Can you speak English? |
Emergency Vocabulary
| Japanese |
Meaning |
| 火事 (kaji) |
Fire |
| 地震 (jishin) |
Earthquake |
| 救急車 (kyuukyuusha) |
Ambulance |
| 警察 (keisatsu) |
Police |
| 119番 |
Emergency: fire/ambulance |
| 110番 |
Emergency: police |
Learning even a handful of these terms will make a significant difference in your daily life as a renter in Japan. Don't be afraid to ask questions — most landlords and neighbors appreciate the effort.
