屋根裏(やねうら)

屋根裏(やねうら) is the space between the ceiling of the top floor and the roof. Composed of 屋根(やね) (roof) + 裏(うら) (back/underside).

Common collocations

• 屋根裏(やねうら)部屋(へや): attic room (converted living space)
• 屋根裏(やねうら)収納(しゅうのう): attic storage
• 屋根裏(やねうら)に上(あ)がる: to go up to the attic
• 屋根裏(やねうら)に荷物(にもつ)をしまう: to store things in the attic

Usage

In Japanese houses, 屋根裏(やねうら) is commonly used for storage. Modern houses sometimes convert the space into a ロフト (loft) for living use. In older traditional houses, 屋根裏(やねうら) may be quite spacious.

Related words

• ロフト: loft (used living space under the roof)
• 天井裏(てんじょううら): above the ceiling (similar concept, structural focus)
• 地下室(ちかしつ): basement (opposite location in a building)