1.
large room; shared room
A spacious room shared by multiple people. Most often refers to a shared hospital ward, but also used for the communal dressing room of junior actors or for any large multi-person room.
父は病院の大部屋にいる。
My father is in a shared room at the hospital.
個室より大部屋の方が安い。
A shared room is cheaper than a private room.
若手俳優たちは楽屋の大部屋で出番を待っていた。
The young actors were waiting in the communal dressing room for their turn on stage.
Composed of 大 (large) + 部屋 (room; the rendaku form of 部屋). Most common in the hospital sense, in contrast to 個室 (private room).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 病院の大部屋: a shared hospital room
- 大部屋病室: shared ward
- 大部屋俳優: a bit-part actor (one who shares a communal dressing room)
- 大部屋で過ごす: spend time in a large/shared room
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 個室: private room — the opposite, especially for hospitals
- 相部屋: shared room (in lodging) — used for hotels and dorms
- 広間: large hall — emphasizes a large open space, often for gatherings