How to say "lodging" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 宿やどJLPT N3approx.Common
    nounCovers lodging in the sense of the place itself — an inn or hotel where a traveler stays. The natural word when talking about finding lodging for the night on a trip.
  • 宿泊しゅくはくJLPT N3approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbTreats lodging as the act of staying somewhere overnight rather than the place itself; the natural choice when speaking of staying at or arranging accommodation.
    6人にん宿泊しゅくはくさせて欲ほしい。↗
    We need accommodation for six.
  • 宿舎しゅくしゃCommon
    nounRefers to a lodging house or accommodation facility; it often suggests quarters provided for a group, such as for employees or students, rather than an inn you book for a trip.
  • 泊まりとまりCommon
    nounFocuses on the overnight stay itself — spending the night somewhere — rather than the establishment; typical when saying you are staying over or that a trip involves a night's lodging.
    彼かれはいとこのところへ泊とまりに行いきました。↗
    He went to stay with his cousin.
  • 下宿げしゅくJLPT N4approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers lodging that includes meals — room and board — typically in a private home; it is the word for the boarding sense of 'lodging', not for staying at an inn or hotel.
    彼女かのじょは学生がくせいを下宿げしゅくさせている。↗
    She boards students.

Choose 宿 for the inn or place you stay at, 宿泊 or 「泊まり」 for the overnight stay itself, 宿舎 for provided or institutional quarters, and 下宿 for lodging that includes meals.

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

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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