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B1 noun #3,000 most common 11 min read

賃貸

chintai Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 賃貸 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 賃貸 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to recognize the word '賃貸' (chintai) when you see it on signs or in real estate windows. Think of it as the Japanese word for 'For Rent.' In Japan, if you are looking for a place to live, you will see this word everywhere. It is usually followed by 'mansion' or 'apartment.' You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember: if you see '賃貸', it means you can pay money every month to live there. It is the opposite of buying a house. You will also see it on apps on your phone. If you want to say 'I rent an apartment,' at this level, it is easier to say 'Apaato o karimasu' (I borrow/rent an apartment). 'Chintai' is the more formal name for that whole system. Just focus on recognizing the kanji: the first one looks like it has a 'money' symbol at the bottom, and the second one means to lend.

At the A2 level, you should start using '賃貸' (chintai) as a noun to describe your living situation. You might say 'Chintai no apaato' (a rental apartment) or 'Chintai ni sundeimasu' (I live in a rental). You will encounter this word frequently when you move to Japan or help a friend look for a room. You should also be aware of related words like 'yachin' (rent). When you go to a real estate agent, they will ask if you want 'chintai' or 'bunjō' (buying). Understanding this distinction is vital. You can also start to recognize compound words like 'chintai-jutaku' (rental housing). Remember that 'chintai' is more formal than 'kariru.' Use 'chintai' when you are looking at ads or talking about the type of building you live in. Also, learn that 'rental' (rentaru) is for small things like cars or DVDs, and 'chintai' is for houses.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of '賃貸' (chintai) in more formal contexts, such as reading a basic lease agreement or discussing housing options in detail. You should know that 'chintai' is a noun that often functions as a prefix. Phrases like 'chintai-keiyaku' (lease contract) and 'chintai-bukken' (rental property) should be part of your vocabulary. You should also understand the social context of renting in Japan, including the 'shikikin' (deposit) and 'reikin' (key money) systems that are almost always part of a 'chintai' agreement. You can now use the word to compare living styles: 'Chintai to mochiie, dochira ga ii desu ka?' (Which is better, renting or owning?). You should also be comfortable using 'chintai' in a 'suru' verb context or with the particle 'no,' and be able to explain the difference between 'chintai' and 'rentaru' to others.

At the B2 level, you should be able to navigate the 'chintai' market with confidence. This includes understanding the legal implications of the 'Chintai-shaku' (lease) agreement and the rights of the tenant under Japanese law. You should be able to discuss market trends, such as 'chintai-ryō no jōshō' (rising rent prices) or the impact of 'kuishitsu-ritsu' (vacancy rates) on the rental market. Your usage of the word should be precise; you know when to use 'chintai' versus 'lease' (for equipment) or 'shakuya' (specifically for houses). You can read newspaper articles about urban planning and 'chintai-jutaku' policies. You should also be familiar with 'UR Chintai' and other specific rental systems in Japan. In discussions, you can use the word to talk about investment properties ('chintai-yō bukken') and the responsibilities of a 'chintai-kanri-gaisha' (rental management company).

At the C1 level, your understanding of '賃貸' (chintai) extends to complex legal and economic spheres. You can analyze the 'Shakuchi Shakuya-hō' (Land and House Lease Act) and discuss how it balances the power between landlords and tenants in a 'chintai' relationship. You are comfortable with advanced terminology like 'tentai' (subleasing), 'chinshaku-nin' (lessee), and 'chintai-nin' (lessor). You can participate in high-level debates about the pros and cons of the 'chintai' system versus property ownership in the context of Japan's aging population and shrinking economy. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its kanji. You can write formal reports or essays about the 'chintai' market, using academic registers and precise collocations. You also recognize the word's usage in other niche areas, such as the leasing of industrial patents or large-scale infrastructure.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '賃貸' (chintai) and its myriad applications. You can interpret the subtle nuances of 'chintai' in legal precedents and supreme court cases regarding housing disputes. You understand the word's role in the broader socio-economic fabric of Japan, from the 'chintai' culture of the Edo period to modern REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) that specialize in 'chintai' properties. You can seamlessly switch between formal legal definitions and colloquial expressions involving the word. Your ability to use 'chintai' in complex grammatical structures is perfect, and you can explain the etymological connection between 'chintai' and other economic terms. You are capable of advising others on the intricacies of 'chintai' contracts, including the subtle differences in 'teiki-chintaishaku' (fixed-term leases) and standard renewable leases, with full awareness of the long-term legal consequences.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

賃貸 in 30 Seconds

Chintai means 'for rent' or 'leasing' in Japanese.
It is primarily used for real estate like apartments and offices.
It is a formal noun, often appearing in advertisements and contracts.
It differs from 'rental' (small items) and 'bunjō' (for sale).

The Japanese word 賃貸 (ちんたい - chintai) is a fundamental term in the realm of real estate and property management. At its core, it refers to the act of letting or leasing out property in exchange for a fee. While in English we might simply say 'renting,' the Japanese term chintai specifically highlights the transaction of providing a space for a set price. It is most commonly encountered when searching for a place to live, as the vast majority of apartments in Japanese cities are categorized under this label. Understanding this word is the first step for any English speaker looking to navigate the Japanese housing market, as it differentiates between properties for sale (分譲 - bunjō) and those for rent.

Etymological Breakdown: The first kanji, 賃 (chin), represents a fee, fare, or wages. It is the same character found in yachin (rent). The second kanji, 貸 (tai), comes from the verb kasu, which means to lend or to let out. Together, they literally mean 'to lend for a fee.'

東京で新しい賃貸マンションを探しています。
(I am looking for a new rental apartment in Tokyo.)

In a broader economic sense, chintai can also apply to other high-value items like office equipment or industrial machinery, though in daily life, 90% of its usage revolves around housing. When you walk down a Japanese street and see a real estate agent (不動産屋 - fudōsanya), the windows will be plastered with 'chintai' listings. These listings detail the monthly rent, the layout (like 1K or 2LDK), and the initial costs. It is a word that carries the weight of a contract, a monthly commitment, and a specific lifestyle choice in Japan's urban landscape where owning property is often prohibitively expensive or simply less practical than leasing.

Usage Context: Used primarily in formal documents, advertisements, and business discussions. In casual conversation, people might say 'kariru' (to borrow/rent), but 'chintai' is the technical term for the system itself.

このビルは賃貸オフィスとして利用されています。
(This building is being used as rental office space.)

賃貸契約を結ぶ前に、規約をよく読んでください。
(Please read the terms carefully before signing the lease agreement.)

Grammatical Role: It functions as a noun, but it can also act as a 'no-adjective' (賃貸の) or a prefix to other nouns (賃貸住宅) to describe the nature of a property.

賃貸物件の検索サイトは非常に便利です。
(Search sites for rental properties are very convenient.)

彼は持ち家ではなく、賃貸を選んだ。
(He chose renting over owning his own home.)

Using 賃貸 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun that often modifies other nouns. While a beginner might say 'apaato o kariru' (to rent an apartment), a more proficient speaker or someone in a professional setting would use chintai to describe the market, the contract, or the status of the property. It is highly productive in forming compound words. For example, chintai-ryō (rent amount), chintai-shijō (rental market), and chintai-keiyaku (lease agreement) are all standard terms. When you are talking about the *concept* of renting versus buying, chintai is the indispensable term. It sets a professional tone and clearly distinguishes the legal relationship between the owner and the tenant.

Compound Construction: 賃貸 + Noun: This is the most common way to use the word. 賃貸マンション (Rental Mansion/Apartment), 賃貸アパート (Rental Apartment), 賃貸ビル (Rental Building). It functions like an adjective in these cases.

最近の賃貸市場は、テレワークの影響で変化しています。
(The recent rental market is changing due to the influence of teleworking.)

Another nuance is the verb form. While chintai suru is possible, it is much more common to see chintai ni dasu (to put up for rent) or chintai to shite kasu (to lend out as a rental). As a tenant, you don't usually say 'I chintai this place'; instead, you say 'I am living in a chintai apartment.' The focus of the word chintai is often on the property's status rather than the tenant's action. If you are the landlord, you are the one doing the 'chintai' (leasing out). If you are the tenant, you are 'chinshaku' (renting/borrowing), though 'chinshaku' is even more formal and rare in daily speech.

Formal vs. Informal: Informal: 借りている家 (Borrowed house). Formal/Technical: 賃貸住宅 (Rental housing). Use 'chintai' when discussing real estate business or specific property types.

このエリアには、手頃な価格の賃貸アパートが多いです。
(There are many affordable rental apartments in this area.)

賃貸管理会社に連絡して、修理を依頼しました。
(I contacted the rental management company and requested a repair.)

Legal Nuance: 賃貸借 (Chintaishaku) is the full legal term for a lease agreement, combining 'lending' and 'borrowing.' You will see this on the header of your contract.

将来は持ち家が欲しいですが、今は賃貸で十分です。
(I want to own a home in the future, but for now, renting is sufficient.)

賃貸料の支払いは、毎月月末までに行う必要があります。
(The payment of rent must be made by the end of every month.)

If you live in Japan, 賃貸 is a word you will see and hear daily, even if you aren't looking for a new home. It is a staple of urban advertising. When you are on a train, look at the digital screens or the hanging posters (tsurikawa-koukoku); you will inevitably see ads for real estate apps like SUUMO, Lifull Home's, or At Home. These ads always feature the word '賃貸' prominently, often paired with catchy jingles or celebrity endorsements. The word serves as a gateway to the entire ecosystem of urban living for the millions of people who do not own their apartments. It signifies a specific type of social contract and a stage of life, often associated with young professionals, students, and urban dwellers who value flexibility over long-term ownership.

Real Estate Offices: Every train station in Japan has several real estate offices nearby. Their windows are filled with 'Chintai' listings. The staff will ask you, 'Chintai desu ka? Bunjō desu ka?' (Are you looking to rent or buy?)

不動産屋の窓にはたくさんの賃貸広告が貼ってあります。
(Many rental advertisements are posted on the real estate agent's window.)

In the corporate world, chintai is also prevalent. When a company expands, they look for chintai-biru (rental buildings) or chintai-ofisu. You will hear it in news reports about the economy, specifically when discussing 'Chintai Jutaku Shakuya-hō' (the Act on Land and Building Leases), which is a crucial piece of legislation protecting tenants' rights. Furthermore, during the spring (moving season in Japan), the word 'chintai' is everywhere as students and new employees relocate. It is a word that triggers thoughts of paperwork, moving trucks, and the start of a new life chapter. Even the phrase chintai-gurashi (living in a rental) is a common way for people to describe their current living situation, reflecting a sense of transience or urban practicality.

Television & Media: Commercials for 'D-room' or 'UR Chintai' are very famous in Japan. UR Chintai is a public housing agency that is popular because it doesn't require key money or a guarantor.

テレビでUR賃貸のCMをよく見かけます。
(I often see commercials for UR Rental on TV.)

彼は賃貸派で、家を買うつもりはないそうです。
(He is on the 'renting side' and says he has no intention of buying a house.)

News & Economics: Economic news often discusses the 'Chintai Shisu' (Rental Index) to show how the cost of living is changing in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

都市部では賃貸の需要が高まっています。
(Demand for rentals is increasing in urban areas.)

この物件は賃貸中なので、中を見ることはできません。
(This property is currently being rented out, so you cannot see the inside.)

One of the most common pitfalls for English speakers learning Japanese is the over-reliance on the English word 'rental.' In English, we use 'rental' for almost everything: rental cars, rental movies, rental tuxedos, and rental apartments. In Japanese, however, 賃貸 is almost exclusively reserved for real estate and large-scale industrial leases. If you use chintai for a DVD, a Japanese person will be very confused. For small items, you should use the katakana word rentaru (レンタル). For example, a car is a rentakaa (レンタカー), not a chintai-sha. Understanding the boundary between chintai and rentaru is key to sounding natural.

Confusion with 'Kasu' and 'Kariru': Learners often struggle with the direction of the transaction. 'Chintai' includes both lending and renting conceptually, but in practice, 'Chintai' is the *system*. If you are the person paying rent, you are 'kariru' (borrowing). If you are the landlord, you are 'kasu' (lending). Don't say 'I am chintai-ing' to mean 'I am paying rent.'

❌ 私はこのDVDを賃貸しました。
✅ 私はこのDVDをレンタルしました。
(Correct: I rented this DVD.)

Another mistake involves confusing chintai with bunjō. Bunjō (分譲) refers to condos or houses that are for sale, often in a large development. Newcomers to Japan often see bunjō ads and think they are rental prices because they are looking at the 'down payment' or 'monthly mortgage payment.' Always check for the word chintai to ensure you are looking at a rental. Additionally, be careful with the word shakuhō (借用). While it also means borrowing, it is used for objects or money in a very formal context and is rarely used for housing in place of chintai.

Kanji Errors: Be careful writing 賃 (chin). It has the 'shell' radical (貝) at the bottom, which historically represents money. Don't confuse it with similar-looking kanji like 貸 (tai) or 貨 (ka).

❌ 賃貸を借ります。
✅ 賃貸物件を借ります。
(You borrow the 'property' (bukken), not the 'act of renting' itself.)

❌ 車の賃貸。
✅ レンタカー / 車の貸し出し。
(Use 'rent-a-car' or 'kashidashi' for vehicles.)

Pronunciation: Make sure to pronounce the 'n' clearly: Chin-tai. If you skip the 'n', it sounds like 'chitai' (area/zone), which is a completely different word.

❌ 賃貸マンションを買いました。
✅ 賃貸マンションを借りました。
(You don't buy (kau) a rental; you rent (kariru) it. If you bought it, it's not a rental anymore!)

❌ 彼は賃貸に働いています。
✅ 彼は賃貸不動産の会社で働いています。
(You work 'at a rental real estate company,' not 'at rental.')

While 賃貸 is the king of real estate leasing, Japanese has several other words for borrowing and lending that you should know to avoid sounding like a textbook. The most common alternative in daily speech is simply using the verbs kasu (to lend) and kariru (to borrow/rent). For example, if you ask a friend, 'Are you renting your house?' you would say 'Kari-mono desu ka?' or 'Kariteiru n desu ka?' rather than using the stiff, formal chintai. Another important word is lease (リース - rīsu). In Japanese, rīsu is typically used for business equipment like photocopiers, computers, or company cars. It implies a long-term financial contract, often with an option to buy at the end, which is slightly different from the month-to-month or 2-year cycle of chintai.

Comparison: 賃貸 vs. レンタル: 賃貸 (Chintai): Real estate, offices, large scale, formal contracts.
レンタル (Rentaru): Small goods, leisure items, short-term (hours or days).

スキー板をレンタルしました。
(I rented skis. - Using 'chintai' here would be wrong.)

There is also the term shakuhō (借用), which you might see on official forms. It is very formal and often used for borrowing money or official documents. If you are in a legal setting, you will see chintaishaku (賃貸借), which is the combined form of 'lending' and 'borrowing.' This is the legal name of the lease agreement itself. For those looking at public housing, kōsha (公社) or shiei (市営 - city-run) properties are types of chintai that are managed by the government. Lastly, the word geshuku (下宿) is an old-fashioned term for 'lodging' or 'boarding,' where you rent a room in someone's house, usually including meals—a rare sight in modern Japan but still present in literature and anime.

Comparison: 賃貸 vs. リース: 賃貸 (Chintai): Living spaces, physical land.
リース (Rīsu): Business machinery, industrial equipment, long-term corporate use.

会社でコピー機をリースしています。
(The company is leasing a photocopier.)

この土地を賃貸に出すことにした。
(I decided to put this land up for lease.)

Specialized Terms: 転貸 (Tentai): Subleasing. This is often prohibited in standard Japanese chintai contracts without explicit permission from the landlord.

彼は友人にアパートを転貸した。
(He subleased the apartment to his friend.)

これは賃貸ではなく、分譲マンションです。
(This is not a rental; it is a condominium for sale.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 賃 contains the 'shell' radical (貝), which was used as currency in ancient times. Almost all Japanese kanji related to money or value contain this radical.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tʃɪntaɪ

US tʃɪntaɪ

Flat pitch (Heiban) in Tokyo Japanese, but can vary slightly. No strong syllable stress like English.

Rhymes With

反対 (hantai) 招待 (shōtai) 交代 (kōtai) 停滞 (teitai) 連帯 (rentai) 形態 (keitai) 正体 (shōtai) 期待 (kitai)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it 'chitai' (omitting the 'n'), which means 'zone' or 'area.'
Pronouncing 'tai' as 'tay' (rhyming with 'day'). It should rhyme with 'eye.'
Stress on the first syllable 'CHIN-tai.' Keep it flat.
Confusing the 'n' sound with an 'm' sound.
Making the 'i' in 'tai' too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are medium difficulty (N3 level) but very common.

Writing 4/5

The kanji for 'chin' is complex to write correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in ads and announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

借りる (To borrow/rent) 貸す (To lend) 家 (House) お金 (Money) 契約 (Contract)

Learn Next

家賃 (Rent) 敷金 (Deposit) 礼金 (Key money) 仲介手数料 (Brokerage fee) 不動産屋 (Real estate agent)

Advanced

原状回復 (Restoration to original state) 借地借家法 (Land and House Lease Act) 更新料 (Renewal fee) 重要事項説明 (Explanation of important matters) 抵当権 (Mortgage/Lien)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + Noun

賃貸のアパート (Rental apartment)

Suru-verb formation

この部屋を賃貸する (To lease this room)

Compound Nouns

賃貸住宅 (Rental housing)

Contrastive 'wa'

賃貸はいいが、持ち家は大変だ (Renting is good, but owning a home is hard)

Conditional 'tara'

いい賃貸が見つかったら、引っ越します (If I find a good rental, I will move)

Examples by Level

ここは賃貸のアパートです。

This is a rental apartment.

Using 'no' to connect chintai (noun) to apaato (noun).

賃貸マンションを探しています。

I am looking for a rental mansion (apartment).

Chintai functions as a prefix here.

この家は賃貸ですか？

Is this house a rental?

Simple question using 'desu ka'.

賃貸のポスターを見ました。

I saw a rental poster.

Direct object with 'o' particle.

駅の近くに賃貸があります。

There are rentals near the station.

Using 'ga arimasu' for existence.

賃貸は高いですか？

Is the rent (rental) expensive?

Chintai used as the subject.

新しい賃貸に住みます。

I will live in a new rental.

Using 'ni sumimasu' for residence.

賃貸、借りたいです。

I want to rent a rental (property).

The 'tai' form expressing desire.

賃貸の契約は明日です。

The rental contract is tomorrow.

Connecting two nouns with 'no'.

私は賃貸マンションに住んでいます。

I live in a rental apartment.

Chintai-mansion as a compound noun.

賃貸物件をネットで見つけました。

I found a rental property on the internet.

Bukken means property.

このビルは全部賃貸です。

This entire building is for rent.

Zenbu (all) modifying chintai.

賃貸料はいくらですか？

How much is the rent amount?

Chintai-ryō is a formal word for rent.

賃貸アパートの鍵をもらいました。

I received the keys to the rental apartment.

Chintai-apaato as a compound noun.

賃貸住宅に引っ越します。

I am moving into rental housing.

Jutaku means housing/residence.

賃貸の窓口はあちらです。

The rental counter is over there.

Madoguchi means counter/window.

賃貸契約書をよく読んでからサインしてください。

Please read the lease agreement carefully before signing.

Chintai-keiyakusho is the formal term for a lease.

賃貸と持ち家、どちらが経済的だと思いますか？

Which do you think is more economical, renting or owning a home?

Comparing two nouns using 'to' and 'dochira'.

このエリアは賃貸物件の需要が非常に高いです。

The demand for rental properties in this area is very high.

Juyō means demand.

賃貸管理会社が修理の手配をしてくれました。

The rental management company arranged for the repairs.

Chintai-kanri-gaisha is a common business term.

賃貸マンションの更新料を払わなければなりません。

I have to pay the renewal fee for the rental apartment.

Kōshin-ryō is a fee paid every 2 years in Japan.

将来のために、賃貸ではなく家を買うことにしました。

For the future, I decided to buy a house instead of renting.

Using 'de wa naku' to show contrast.

賃貸の審査に通るか心配です。

I'm worried about whether I'll pass the rental screening.

Shinsa refers to the background check/screening.

この物件は、賃貸として貸し出されています。

This property is being lent out as a rental.

Using 'to shite' to mean 'as'.

賃貸市場の動向を分析すると、都心の家賃は上昇傾向にあります。

Analyzing the trends in the rental market, rents in the city center are on an upward trend.

Dōkō means trend/movement.

賃貸借契約における原状回復の義務について確認した。

I confirmed the obligation to restore the property to its original state in the lease agreement.

Genjō-kaifuku is a key legal term in rentals.

UR賃貸は礼金や仲介手数料が不要なため、人気があります。

UR Rental is popular because it doesn't require key money or brokerage fees.

Listing reasons with 'tame'.

賃貸経営を始めるには、初期投資とリスク管理が重要です。

To start rental management (as a landlord), initial investment and risk management are important.

Chintai-keiei means running a rental business.

この賃貸物件は、ペット可という条件が付いています。

This rental property comes with a 'pets allowed' condition.

Petto-ka means pets allowed.

賃貸住宅紛争防止条例に基づき、説明を受けた。

I received an explanation based on the Ordinance for the Prevention of Rental Housing Disputes.

Motozuki (based on) is a formal grammar structure.

賃貸の空室率が上がると、オーナーにとっては死活問題だ。

If the rental vacancy rate rises, it becomes a matter of life and death for the owner.

Kuishitsu-ritsu means vacancy rate.

賃貸専用のマンションなので、住民は皆借り主です。

Since it is a mansion dedicated to rentals, all residents are tenants.

Sen'yō means exclusive/dedicated use.

賃貸借契約の解除には、正当な事由が必要とされる場合が多い。

In many cases, a justifiable reason is required for the termination of a lease agreement.

Seidō na jiyū is a formal legal term.

不動産投資信託（REIT）は、多くの賃貸物件をポートフォリオに組み込んでいる。

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) include many rental properties in their portfolios.

Technical financial vocabulary.

賃貸住宅のバリアフリー化を促進するための助成金制度がある。

There is a subsidy system to promote making rental housing barrier-free.

Barrier-free-ka means making something accessible.

定期借家権の導入により、賃貸市場の流動性が高まると期待された。

The introduction of fixed-term house lease rights was expected to increase the liquidity of the rental market.

Teiki-shakkaken is a specific legal right.

賃貸経営における減価償却費の計上は、節税対策として有効だ。

Recording depreciation expenses in rental management is effective as a tax-saving measure.

Genka-shōkyaku-hi is an accounting term.

賃貸人と賃借人の間の信頼関係が破壊されたと見なされるケースだ。

This is a case where the relationship of trust between the lessor and the lessee is deemed to have been destroyed.

Chintainin (landlord) vs Chinshakunin (tenant).

サブリース方式による賃貸経営には、家賃保証に関するトラブルも散見される。

In rental management via the sublease method, troubles regarding rent guarantees are also occasionally seen.

Sanken sareru means seen here and there.

賃貸住宅の供給過剰が、地方都市における空き家問題に拍車をかけている。

An oversupply of rental housing is accelerating the vacant house problem in regional cities.

Hakusha o kakeru is an idiom meaning to accelerate.

賃貸借の法理において、生存権の保障という観点から賃借人の居住権は厚く保護されている。

In the legal theory of leasing, the lessee's right to residence is heavily protected from the perspective of guaranteeing the right to life.

Highly academic legal terminology.

都市部における地価の高騰は、賃貸利回りの低下を招き、投資家を慎重にさせている。

The skyrocketing land prices in urban areas have led to a decrease in rental yields, making investors cautious.

Chintai-mawari means rental yield.

借地借家法の改正は、日本の賃貸慣行にパラダイムシフトをもたらす可能性を秘めている。

The revision of the Land and House Lease Act holds the potential to bring about a paradigm shift in Japanese leasing practices.

Paradigm shift used in a Japanese context.

賃貸住宅のストックの質的向上を図ることが、少子高齢化社会における喫緊の課題である。

Improving the qualitative stock of rental housing is an urgent issue in a society with a declining birthrate and an aging population.

Kikkin no kadai means urgent issue.

賃貸経営の多角化により、高齢者向け住宅やシェアハウスといった新たな形態が台頭している。

With the diversification of rental management, new forms such as housing for the elderly and share houses are emerging.

Taitō shite iru means emerging/rising.

不動産証券化の手法を用いることで、大規模な賃貸ビルの所有権が小口化され、流通している。

By using real estate securitization methods, ownership of large-scale rental buildings is broken down into small lots and circulated.

Shōkinka means securitization.

賃借権の譲渡や転貸の制限は、賃貸人の承諾を要するという原則が確立されている。

The principle that restrictions on the transfer of leasehold rights or subleasing require the landlord's consent is well-established.

Chinshakuken means leasehold right.

日本の賃貸市場における『更新料』の有効性は、最高裁の判決によっても是認されている。

The validity of 'renewal fees' in the Japanese rental market has been affirmed even by Supreme Court rulings.

Zenin sareru means to be approved/affirmed.

Synonyms

レンタルリース貸家

Antonyms

分譲持ち家

Common Collocations

賃貸マンション

賃貸契約

賃貸物件

賃貸料

賃貸住宅

賃貸オフィス

賃貸管理

賃貸アパート

賃貸経営

賃貸市場

Common Phrases

賃貸に出す

— To put a property up for rent. This is used when an owner decides to lease their property.

空き家を賃貸に出すことにした。

賃貸で暮らす

— To live in a rental. It describes one's lifestyle or current living status.

一生賃貸で暮らすつもりだ。

賃貸派

— The 'renting side.' People who prefer renting over buying a home.

私は家を買わない賃貸派です。

賃貸物件の検索

— Searching for rental properties. A common activity on websites.

暇な時に賃貸物件の検索をするのが好きだ。

賃貸の審査

— Rental screening. The process of being checked by a landlord before renting.

賃貸の審査に落ちてしまった。

賃貸暮らし

— Living in a rental. Often used to describe urban life.

長い間賃貸暮らしを続けている。

賃貸情報

— Rental information. Listings or news about rentals.

最新の賃貸情報をチェックする。

賃貸専用

— Exclusive to rentals. A building where no units are for sale.

このマンションは賃貸専用です。

賃貸保証

— Rental guarantee. A service that covers rent if the tenant fails to pay.

賃貸保証会社への加入が必要です。

賃貸併用住宅

— A house that is part residence and part rental. The owner lives in one part and rents out the other.

将来のために賃貸併用住宅を建てた。

Often Confused With

賃貸 vs レンタル (Rental)

Rental is for small items (DVDs, cars); Chintai is for real estate.

賃貸 vs 分譲 (Bunjō)

Bunjō is for sale; Chintai is for rent.

賃貸 vs リース (Lease)

Lease is for business equipment; Chintai is for living spaces.

Idioms & Expressions

"賃貸借は人の情け"

— A variation of 'Lending and borrowing are based on human kindness.' Implies that business transactions still require good faith.

賃貸借は人の情けというが、契約は厳格だ。

Literary/Old

"賃貸の壁"

— The 'rental wall.' Refers to the restrictions renters face, like not being able to paint walls or have pets.

賃貸の壁に突き当たり、DIYを諦めた。

Colloquial

"賃貸地獄"

— Rental hell. Being stuck paying high rent forever without ever owning property.

東京の賃貸地獄から抜け出したい。

Slang

"賃貸の罠"

— The rental trap. Hidden costs like key money or renewal fees that surprise tenants.

更新料という賃貸の罠にはまった。

Colloquial

"賃貸の花"

— The flower of rentals. Refers to a property that looks great in photos but is disappointing in person.

あの部屋は賃貸の花だったよ。

Real Estate Slang

"賃貸の渡り鳥"

— A migratory renter. Someone who moves from one rental to another every few years.

私は賃貸の渡り鳥のように引っ越しを繰り返している。

Colloquial

"賃貸の城"

— A rental castle. A sarcastic way to refer to a small, expensive studio apartment.

ここが私の賃貸の城だ。

Humorous

"賃貸の縁"

— The bond of leasing. The connection between a long-term tenant and a kind landlord.

大家さんとは賃貸の縁で長く付き合っている。

Warm/Casual

"賃貸の風"

— The wind of rentals. Refers to the rapid turnover of tenants in a popular building.

このアパートには常に賃貸の風が吹いている。

Poetic

"賃貸の掟"

— The rules of the rental. Strict adherence to building regulations.

ゴミ出しの時間は賃貸の掟だ。

Casual

Easily Confused

賃貸 vs 賃借 (Chinshaku)

Sounds similar and both involve renting.

Chintai is 'lending for a fee' (often from the landlord's perspective or the system as a whole), while Chinshaku is 'borrowing for a fee' (tenant's perspective).

彼は土地を賃借している。

賃貸 vs 借用 (Shakuyō)

Both mean borrowing.

Shakuyō is very formal and used for objects/money, not usually for housing.

図書館の資料を借用する。

賃貸 vs 貸与 (Taiyo)

Both mean lending.

Taiyo is used when an organization provides something to an individual (like a uniform or laptop), often without a direct 'rent' payment.

制服が貸与された。

賃貸 vs 借家 (Shakuya)

Both involve renting a home.

Shakuya specifically means a 'rented house,' whereas Chintai covers apartments, offices, and the system itself.

古い借家に住む。

賃貸 vs 転貸 (Tentai)

Contains the 'tai' from chintai.

Tentai specifically means 'subleasing' (renting out something you are already renting).

又貸し（転貸）は禁止です。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] は賃貸です。

このマンションは賃貸です。

賃貸の [Noun] に住んでいます。

賃貸のアパートに住んでいます。

賃貸と [Noun] を比較する。

賃貸と持ち家を比較する。

賃貸契約を [Verb]。

賃貸契約を更新する。

賃貸物件の [Noun] が高い。

賃貸物件の需要が高い。

賃貸として [Verb]。

賃貸として貸し出す。

賃貸市場における [Noun]。

賃貸市場における価格変動。

賃貸借契約に基づく [Noun]。

賃貸借契約に基づく義務。

Word Family

Nouns

賃貸料 (Rent)

賃貸人 (Lessor/Landlord)

賃借人 (Lessee/Tenant)

賃貸借 (Lease agreement)

Verbs

賃貸する (To lease out - formal)

借りる (To rent/borrow - general)

貸す (To lend/let out - general)

Adjectives

賃貸の (Rental...)

家賃 (Monthly rent)

敷金 (Security deposit)

礼金 (Key money)

不動産 (Real estate)

仲介 (Mediation/Brokerage)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban areas and real estate contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'chintai' for a rental car. → レンタカー (rentakaa)
'Chintai' is for real estate. Using it for a car sounds very strange to Japanese ears.
Saying 'Chintai o kariru'. → 賃貸物件を借りる (Chintai bukken o kariru)
You borrow the property (bukken), not the 'act of renting' (chintai).
Confusing 'chintai' with 'bunjō' in ads. → Check the kanji carefully.
If you confuse these, you might think a house is $3,000 when it's actually $300,000 (total price vs monthly rent).
Using 'chintai' for borrowing a book. → 借りる (kariru) / 貸し出し (kashidashi)
'Chintai' implies a commercial lease of space. Libraries don't use this word.
Misspelling 賃 as 貸. → 賃貸 (Chintai)
The two kanji are different. 賃 is for the fee, 貸 is for the act of lending.

Tips

Learn the Kanji Pair

The kanji 賃 (fee) and 貸 (lend) are often seen together. If you see them, think 'Property for Rent.' This will help you navigate Japanese streets much easier.

Check for UR

If you are a foreigner looking for a 'chintai,' search for 'UR Chintai' first. They have much simpler rules and are generally more welcoming to international residents.

Use as a Prefix

Treat 'chintai' like an adjective in English. Just put it before the building type: Chintai-mansion, Chintai-apaato, Chintai-biru. It's the most natural way to use it.

Filter by Chintai

On sites like Suumo, the first thing you do is select between '賃貸' (Rent) and '売買' (Buy/Sell). Make sure you click the right one!

Read the Contract

Your 'Chintai-keiyakusho' is your most important document. It lists your rent, your move-out notice period, and your deposit details. Keep it safe!

Casual vs Formal

When talking to friends, say 'ie o kariteiru.' When talking to a bank or a landlord, use 'chintai.' Matching the register is a sign of high proficiency.

Budget for Initial Costs

A 'chintai' agreement in Japan often requires 4-6 months of rent upfront (deposit, key money, agent fee). Always ask for the 'shoki-hiyō' (initial cost).

Identify Listings

Look for the floor plan (madori). If it has a price like '7.5万円' and says '賃貸,' that's the monthly rent. If it says '3500万円,' that's 'bunjō' (for sale).

Chin = Cash

Remember 'Chin' starts like 'Change' (money). You need change/cash to pay for a chintai! This helps you remember the first kanji.

Subleasing is Risky

In most 'chintai' contracts, 'tentai' (subleasing) is strictly forbidden. Don't rent out your room on Airbnb without checking your contract first!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHIN' (chin) that you 'TIE' (tai) to a house because you can't own it, you only rent it.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'For Rent' sign hanging from a building with a large '¥' symbol on it. That is a 'Chintai' building.

Word Web

Apartment Rent Landlord Contract Tokyo Deposit Key Money Lease

Challenge

Go to a Japanese real estate website like Suumo and count how many times you see the word 賃貸 on the homepage.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. '賃' (fee) and '貸' (lend). The term solidified in the Meiji era as modern property laws were established.

Original meaning: To provide something for use in exchange for a monetary reward.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'chintai' contracts can sometimes have 'no-foreigner' clauses, which is a sensitive social issue in Japan. Always check with a 'gaikokujin-friendly' agency.

In the West, 'leasing' often implies cars or business, while 'renting' is for homes. In Japan, 'chintai' is the specific formal word for the home-renting system.

SUUMO (The green mascot of Japan's biggest chintai site). UR Chintai commercials featuring famous actors. Abaree Chintai (A common pun in comedy).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Real Estate Agency

賃貸物件を探しています。
賃貸の契約をしたいです。
賃貸料の予算は8万円です。
賃貸の審査は厳しいですか？

Searching Online

賃貸マンション 1LDK
賃貸アパートペット可
賃貸敷金礼金なし
賃貸物件一覧

Casual Conversation

今は賃貸に住んでるよ。
賃貸と持ち家、どっちがいいかな？
賃貸の更新が近いんだ。
賃貸だから壁に穴を開けられない。

Business/Legal

賃貸借契約書を作成する。
賃貸経営の相談をする。
賃貸市場の調査報告。
賃貸物件の管理委託。

Moving Out

賃貸の解約手続き。
賃貸の立ち会い検査。
賃貸のクリーニング代。
賃貸の鍵を返却する。

Conversation Starters

"今の家は賃貸ですか、それとも持ち家ですか？ (Is your current home a rental or do you own it?)"

"賃貸マンションを探すとき、一番重視する条件は何ですか？ (When looking for a rental apartment, what condition do you value most?)"

"日本の賃貸システムについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the rental system in Japan?)"

"賃貸の礼金制度は、少しもったいないと思いませんか？ (Don't you think the key money system in rentals is a bit of a waste?)"

"おすすめの賃貸検索サイトはありますか？ (Do you have any recommended rental search sites?)"

Journal Prompts

理想の賃貸マンションについて詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your ideal rental apartment.)

賃貸で暮らすことのメリットとデメリットを比較してください。 (Compare the merits and demerits of living in a rental.)

初めて日本で賃貸を契約した時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about your memories of the first time you signed a lease in Japan.)

賃貸派か持ち家派か、自分の意見とその理由を述べてください。 (State your opinion and reasons for being on the 'renting side' or 'owning side.')

将来、賃貸経営をしてみたいと思いますか？ (Would you like to try rental management in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'chintai' refers to the act or system of renting. The monthly cost itself is called 'yachin' or 'chintai-ryō.' For example, you find a 'chintai' property and then pay the 'yachin.'

No, that's a common mistake. For cars, use 'rentakaa' (レンタカー) or 'kashidashi' (貸し出し). 'Chintai' is almost exclusively for real estate.

UR Chintai is a public housing system in Japan. It's famous because it doesn't require 'reikin' (key money) or a guarantor, making it very popular for foreigners and students.

It is primarily a noun. While you can say 'chintai suru,' it's more common to use it as a noun ('chintai no...') or in compounds ('chintai-keiyaku').

'Chintai' means the property is for rent. 'Bunjō' means the property (usually a condo) is for sale. Real estate ads always specify one of these.

Yes, it's the professional real estate term. In casual conversation about your own home, you might just say 'apaato' or 'kariteiru ie.'

Because a huge percentage of people in Japanese cities live in rentals. Real estate apps like Suumo and Lifull Home's spend millions on advertising to these renters.

Yes, 'chintai-ofisu' (rental office) and 'chintai-biru' (rental building) are very common terms in the business world.

'Bukken' means property. So 'chintai-bukken' is a 'rental property.' This is the standard term used by agents.

No. For books at a library, use 'kashidashi' (lending) or 'kariru' (borrowing). 'Chintai' implies a formal commercial lease, usually of land or buildings.