How to say "cave" in Japanese

• 洞窟どうくつCommon
  nounThe usual word for a cave as a natural underground chamber, from a small grotto to a large cavern; the default choice in geography, guidebooks and talk of exploring caves.
  これは私が洞窟どうくつの中なかで見みつけたものです。↗

  This is what I found in the cave.
• 洞穴ほらあなCommon
  nounAn everyday alternative to 洞窟, suggesting a dark, hole-like opening in a cliff or hillside; it also covers a den, such as the lair of an animal.
  その洞穴ほらあなはその少年しょうねんたちによって発見はっけんされたのですか。↗

  Was the cave found by the boys?
• 空洞くうどうCommon
  nounReally 'cavity' or 'hollow': an empty space inside a body, rock or structure. For a cave you explore or visit it is seldom the word you want.
• 横穴よこあなCommon
  nounA sideways hole — a horizontal tunnel or opening in a cliff or hillside. Its 'cave' sense is limited to such horizontal openings; for a cave in general it is not the word you want.
• 洞ほらCommon
  nounA bare word for a hollow, cavity or hole; for a cave it is seldom the word you want — say 洞窟 or 洞穴 instead.

Use 洞窟 for a cave in general, 洞穴 for an everyday cave or den, 空洞 for a hollow cavity inside something, 横穴 for a horizontal hole or tunnel, and 洞 only marginally.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 洞窟どうくつcave
• 洞穴ほらあなcave
• 空洞くうどうcavity
• 横穴よこあなcave
• 洞ほらhollow
• ケーブcave
• 岩窟がんくつcave
• 岩室いわむろcave
• 穴蔵あなぐらcellar