House & Furniture: How To Talk About The Home In Japanese

New house, who dis? You’ve moved to the lovely country of Japan. You’ve found a beautiful modern Japanese home with 3 rooms and 2 baths, and you’re itching to finish furnishing it for a home tour that will make you feel like a star. However, you’re just not ready yet. You still need to go to the store to get a couple more lamps, some pillows for the guest room, and more. Oh my, what a laundry list!

Since you use household items on a daily basis, learning what they are called in Japanese is essential. The vocabulary is not too difficult to memorize, because you can use real items to help you remember their names. Sometimes, the words even sound similar to its English translation like "curtain" (カーテン - ka-ten).

Housekeeping Rules for Guests

• Arrive on time: It is best to avoid inconveniencing the host. If you are running late, call them.
• Ask for permission: Avoid inviting others without asking, as doing so is impolite.
• Bring a small gift: Bring a box of desserts or wine as a gracious way of thanking your host.
• Remove your shoes: Take off your shoes and place them neatly at the edge of the genkan.

Unsplash: Chris Lawton