納戸(なんど)

Originally referred to a room in traditional Japanese houses used for storing valuables, clothing, and bedding. In modern real estate, 納戸(なんど) has a specific legal meaning: a room that does not meet building code requirements for a habitable room (typically lacking sufficient windows for natural light). Floor plans often show it as 'S' (for service room) or 'N' (for 納戸(なんど)).

Common collocations

• 納戸(なんど)に入(い)れる: to put something in the storage room
• 納戸(なんど)から出(だ)す: to take something out of the storage room
• 2LDK+納戸(なんど): 2LDK plus storage room (real estate listing format)

Real estate usage

In apartment and house listings, 納戸(なんど) or 'S' (サービスルーム) indicates a room that can be used as storage or a small workspace but cannot legally be called a bedroom (居室(きょしつ)). This distinction affects the property's official room count.

Related words

• 押(お)し入(い)れ: built-in closet (traditional Japanese style, with sliding doors)
• クローゼット: closet (Western style)
• 物置(ものおき): storage shed, storeroom (often a separate structure)