和室(わしつ)

和室(わしつ) is composed of 和(わ) (Japanese) + 室(しつ) (room). It refers to a traditional Japanese-style room with 畳(たたみ) (tatami mat) flooring.

Typical features

• 畳(たたみ): tatami mats (straw flooring)
• 襖(ふすま): sliding paper doors (between rooms)
• 障子(しょうじ): paper sliding screens (for windows)
• 床(とこ)の間(ま): decorative alcove
• 押(お)し入(い)れ: built-in closet for 布団(ふとん)

Similar words

• 和室(わしつ): Japanese-style room (tatami, futon, floor seating)
• 洋室(ようしつ): Western-style room (flooring, beds, chairs)

Usage

Common when describing 旅館(りょかん) (Japanese inns), apartments, or house layouts. Room size is measured in 畳(じょう) (tatami mats): 六畳(ろくじょう)の和室(わしつ) (a 6-tatami Japanese room). Modern Japanese homes often have one 和室(わしつ) alongside 洋室(ようしつ).