Japanese · Daily Life
部屋
heya
Room
Beginnernoun
Definition
A space within a building enclosed by walls. Japanese rooms are often measured in tatami mats (畳 tatami), a traditional unit of floor space.
Example
自分の部屋を綺麗に掃除しました。
I cleaned my own room nicely.
Etymology
'部屋' (heya) combines the kanji '部' (bu) meaning 'section' and '屋' (ya) meaning 'roof' or 'building.' Its usage has evolved to specifically refer to a room in modern contexts.
How & Where It’s Used
'部屋' (heya) is commonly used in everyday language, both in spoken and written forms, applicable in both formal and informal settings. It may vary in nuance across different regions.