When exploring the world of Japanese architecture, one can’t help but be fascinated by its unique blend of tradition and innovation. To fully appreciate and describe these structures, it’s essential to know the Japanese vocabulary that articulates their distinctive features. This article introduces you to key Japanese words that describe architectural elements, complete with definitions and example sentences to help you grasp their usage.

建築 (kenchiku) – Architecture
This word refers to the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
この地域には古い建築が多く残っています。
(There are many old buildings remaining in this area.)

屋根 (yane) – Roof
The top covering of a building that protects it from the weather.
日本家屋の屋根は独特の形をしています。
(Japanese houses have uniquely shaped roofs.)

壁 (kabe) – Wall
The vertical structures that enclose or divide the space within a building.
この部屋の壁は白く塗られています。
(The walls of this room are painted white.)

柱 (hashira) – Pillar or column
A vertical structural element that supports the weight of the structure above it.
柱には彫刻が施されており、美しいです。
(The pillars are carved and beautiful.)

床 (yuka) – Floor
The bottom surface of a room, on which one can walk.
この家の床は木でできています。
(The floor of this house is made of wood.)

階段 (kaidan) – Stairs or staircase
A set of steps leading from one floor to another within a building.
あなたの家の階段はどこにありますか?
(Where are the stairs in your house?)

窓 (mado) – Window
An opening in the wall that allows light and air to enter and lets occupants see outside.
その窓からは庭が見えます。
(You can see the garden from that window.)

戸 or 扉 (to or tobira) – Door
The gateway or entrance to a room or building.
彼は静かに扉を開けた。
(He quietly opened the door.)

廊下 (rouka) – Hallway or corridor
The enclosed passageway that leads to various rooms.
廊下が長くて驚きました。
(I was surprised by how long the hallway is.)

和室 (washitsu) – Japanese-style room
A room in a house or apartment that features traditional Japanese architectural elements such as tatami flooring.
私の家には一つ和室があります。
(My house has one Japanese-style room.)

畳 (tatami) – Tatami mat
A type of straw mat flooring used in traditional Japanese rooms.
畳の上で寝たことがありますか？
(Have you ever slept on a tatami mat?)

襖 (fusuma) – Sliding doors
Traditional Japanese sliding doors usually made of wood and paper and used to divide rooms or spaces.
襖を閉めてください、冷たいです。
(Please close the sliding doors; it’s cold.)

縁側 (engawa) – Veranda or porch
A narrow wooden passageway along the outside of a traditional Japanese house, usually adjacent to the garden.
夏は縁側で風を感じるのが最高です。
(Summer is the best time to feel the breeze on the veranda.)

With these words and their example sentences, you can now describe the architectural elements in Japanese with more confidence. Whether talking about a modern building’s sleek facades or the timeless charm of Japanese traditional homes, these terms will help you express the intricate details that make architecture so fascinating.