How to say "space" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 間あいだnounCovers the space between two things — a gap or interval separating them, in space or time. It treats the space relationally, as what lies between items, rather than as an area in its own right.
- nounThe loanword for everyday space as an open area or available room — space to move, sit, or fill in. It is the word you want when talking about having or lacking room.
- 空間くうかんnounSpace as a three-dimensional expanse or area — the space something occupies or that surrounds it, including airspace. It suits abstract or descriptive talk about space itself rather than a gap between two things.
- 宇宙うちゅうnounThis is 'space' in the astronomical sense only: outer space, the universe, the cosmos — what lies beyond Earth. It is not the word for rooms, gaps or areas; those need other words.宇宙には限りはない。↗There is no limit to the universe.
- 間隔かんかくnounThe measurable space or interval between things — spacing viewed as a distance or length of time. Choose it when the size of the interval matters, not merely that things are separated.
Use 間 for the gap between things, 間隔 for measured intervals or spacing, 「スペース」 for everyday room or open areas, 空間 for space as a three-dimensional expanse, and 宇宙 only for outer space.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
