1.
storage room; closet; storeroom
A small room in a house used for storing household items, clothing, or seasonal goods. In modern Japanese real estate, it refers to a room that does not meet the legal requirements for a bedroom (due to insufficient natural light or ventilation).
荷物を納戸にしまう。
To put the luggage in the storage room.
納戸から古い写真が出てきた。
Some old photos turned up from the storage room.
この物件は2LDK+納戸で、収納スペースが十分ある。
This property is a 2LDK plus storage room, so there's plenty of storage space.
Originally referred to a room in traditional Japanese houses used for storing valuables, clothing, and bedding. In modern real estate, 納戸 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).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 納戸に入れる: to put something in the storage room
- 納戸から出す: to take something out of the storage room
- 2LDK+納戸: 2LDK plus storage room (real estate listing format)
REAL ESTATE USAGE:
In apartment and house listings, 納戸 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). This distinction affects the property's official room count.
RELATED TERMS:
- 押し入れ: built-in closet (traditional Japanese style, with sliding doors)
- クローゼット: closet (Western style)
- 物置: storage shed, storeroom (often a separate structure)