Japanese word

中庭

Pronunciation

Romajinakaniwa

Meaning

  • nouncourtyard

Example

ホテルの中庭は静かです。ho te ru no naka niwa wa shizu ka de su

The hotel courtyard is quiet.

Illustration for 中庭 (courtyard)

More examples

窓から中庭を見下ろせます。mado ka ra naka niwa o mi o ro se ma su

You can look down into the courtyard from the window.

Core concept

It refers to a sheltered open space at the center or inner side of a group of buildings, often used as a garden or shared area.

Common phrases

  • 中庭に出るnaka niwa ni de ru

    go out into the courtyard

  • 中庭に面した窓naka niwa ni men shi ta mado

    window facing the courtyard

Similar words

内庭naitei: An inner open space within a building or residence, often separated from common areas.
パティオpatio: A courtyard designed for outdoor living, dining, or relaxation.

Definition in Japanese

建物に囲まれた敷地の中央や内側に設けた開放的な庭。tate mono ni kako ma re ta shiki chi no chū ō ya uchi gawa ni mō ke ta kai hō teki na niwa

Word origin

中庭 (nakaniwa) is a compound of 中 (naka, "inside") and 庭 (niwa, "garden"), describing a garden placed inside a building complex.

Usage tips

  • In architecture, a courtyard can bring daylight and air to rooms around it while remaining enclosed by the surrounding buildings.

Word lists with this word