ホテル
hoteru[ho̞te̞ɾɯ̟]
The Japanese word for hotel is ホテル (hoteru). Wiktionary also lists 宿 (yado).
Meaning: establishment providing accommodation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ホテル | hoteru | [ho̞te̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 宿 | yado | [ja̠do̞] (narrow) [ɕɨkɯ̟] (narrow) |
The word ホテル refers to an establishment providing accommodation, typically used for modern, Western-style hotels. You can use it in common phrases such as ホテルの予約 (hotel reservation) or ホテルの枕 (hotel pillow).
Which one should you use?
ホテル is a loanword from English and typically refers to modern, Western-style hotels. In contrast, 宿 is a more traditional or general term for lodging, often used for Japanese-style inns or simpler accommodations.
How do you pronounce it?
hoteru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the kanji for 宿 (yado/shuku) is also used in the word 宿題 (shukudai), which means 'homework'.
- In Japan, you will see ラブホテル (love hotels), which are specifically designed for short-term stays for couples and often feature themed rooms and high levels of privacy.
- A カプセルホテル (capsule hotel) is a uniquely Japanese invention where guests sleep in small, tube-like pods to save space and cost.
Examples in context
- 今、ホテル。I'm at the hotel.This sentence shows how to say you are currently at the ホテル.Tatoeba #3366884 by arnab, translation #2549333 by CK
- ホテルに戻ろう。Let's go back to the hotel.This sentence is useful for suggesting a return to the ホテル.Tatoeba #2441437 by tommy_san, translation #2438252 by Hybrid
- ホテルは全焼した。The hotel was burned to the ground.This sentence describes a hotel being destroyed by fire using ホテル.Tatoeba #196180 by bunbuku, translation #33355 by Zifre
- 271 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two travelers are discussing where to stay in a new city.
- 陽葵 Himariこの近くにいいホテルはありますか？Kono chikaku ni ii hoteru wa arimasu ka?Is there a good hotel near here?
- 健太 Kenta駅の前に大きなホテルがありますよ。Eki no mae ni ookina hoteru ga arimasu yo.There is a large hotel in front of the station.
- 陽葵 Himariそこは予約が必要ですか？Soko wa yoyaku ga hitsuyou desu ka?Do we need a reservation there?
- 健太 Kentaはい、予約したほうがいいですよ。Hai, yoyaku shita hou ga ii desu yo.Yes, it is better to make a reservation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hotel” translations and entries ホテル, 宿, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
