屋上
屋上 em 30 segundos
- 屋上 (okujō) means a flat, walkable rooftop on a building.
- It is distinct from 屋根 (yane), which is a slanted structural roof.
- Commonly used for gardens, schools, and department store leisure areas.
- Often appears in anime as a place for lunch or dramatic scenes.
The Japanese word 屋上 (おくじょう, okujō) refers specifically to the flat, accessible top surface of a building. While the English word 'rooftop' can sometimes imply the external structure of any roof, okujō strictly denotes a space that is intended to be walked upon or utilized as a floor. In the dense urban landscapes of Japan, where horizontal space is at a premium, the okujō serves as a vital 'bonus' area for social, commercial, and private activities. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the physical architecture and into the cultural psyche of Japanese city life, where the roof is often a sanctuary from the crowded streets below.
- Physical Characteristics
- An okujō is almost always flat. If a building has a slanted roof (like a traditional house), it is called a 屋根 (yane), not an okujō. This distinction is crucial for learners to grasp immediately.
放課後、私たちは屋上で秘密の話をした。(After school, we had a secret talk on the rooftop.)
Historically, rooftops in Japan were primarily functional, used for water tanks, HVAC systems, or laundry drying. However, the post-war economic boom saw the rise of 'Okujō Playgrounds' atop department stores (depāto). These spaces featured small ferris wheels, arcade games, and pet shops, becoming a staple of childhood nostalgia for many Japanese people. Today, while many of those old-school playgrounds have vanished, they have been replaced by sophisticated 'beer gardens' in the summer, urban farms, and sleek observation decks in skyscrapers like Shibuya Sky. The word evokes a sense of openness and escape.
- Social Context
- In residential settings, the okujō is where one might hang large futons to air out in the sun. In commercial settings, it is a place for 'nomikai' (drinking parties) during the humid summer months.
デパートの屋上には小さな神社があることが多い。(There are often small shrines on the rooftops of department stores.)
Furthermore, the word okujō is used in technical and legal contexts regarding building management. It is considered a 'common area' in apartment complexes (manshon), and rules about who can access it are often strictly enforced for safety reasons. In disaster management, the okujō is designated as a 'tsunami evacuation area' in coastal towns or a 'helicopter pick-up point' in high-rise fires. Thus, the word carries weight in both leisure and emergency scenarios.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The kanji 屋 (oku) means 'house' or 'roof,' while 上 (jō) means 'above' or 'top.' Together, they literally mean 'on top of the house.' It is a very logical compound that clearly defines the location relative to the rest of the structure.
都会の喧騒を忘れるために、屋上庭園へ行った。(I went to a rooftop garden to forget the bustle of the city.)
Using 屋上 (okujō) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its interaction with specific particles and verbs. Most commonly, you will see it paired with the particle に (ni) to indicate location or direction, or で (de) to indicate the place where an action occurs. Because it is a physical space, verbs of movement and existence are its primary companions.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Verbs like 上がる (agaru - to go up), 出る (deru - to go out/exit onto), and 眺める (nagameru - to gaze at the view from) are frequently used with okujō.
エレベーターで屋上まで上がった。(I went up to the rooftop by elevator.)
When describing the existence of something on the roof, use the pattern [Place] に [Object] が あります/います. For example, '屋上にヘリポートがあります' (There is a helipad on the rooftop). If you are performing an action like eating or resting, use 'で'. For example, '屋上で昼ご飯を食べました' (I ate lunch on the rooftop). This distinction between static existence and active behavior is a fundamental part of Japanese grammar that applies perfectly here.
- Compound Nouns
- Okujō is often the first part of a compound noun. Examples include 屋上庭園 (okujō teien - rooftop garden), 屋上駐車場 (okujō chūshajō - rooftop parking), and 屋上ビアガーデン (okujō bia gāden - rooftop beer garden).
このビルの屋上からは、富士山が見えます。(From the rooftop of this building, you can see Mount Fuji.)
Another important grammatical point is the use of the possessive particle の (no). To say 'the building's rooftop,' you say 'ビルの屋上' (biru no okujō). This structure is very stable and rarely changes. When using okujō in a sentence about safety, you might see '屋上への立ち入りは禁止されています' (Entry to the rooftop is prohibited), where 'he no' indicates 'entry towards/onto'.
- Descriptive Adjectives
- Common adjectives to describe an okujō include 広い (hiroi - spacious), 開放的な (kaihōtekina - open/airy), and 危険な (kiken-na - dangerous).
雨が降っているので、屋上のイベントは中止になりました。(Because it is raining, the rooftop event has been canceled.)
In daily life in Japan, you will encounter the word 屋上 (okujō) in several distinct environments. Perhaps the most common is within the retail sector. If you are shopping at a large department store like Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, or even a supermarket like Ito-Yokado, the elevator buttons will often feature 'R' or '屋上' as the highest floor. You will hear announcements like '屋上特設会場にて、物産展を開催しております' (A regional products fair is being held at the special rooftop venue).
- School Environments
- In real-life Japanese schools, the rooftop is often locked for safety reasons. However, students still talk about it constantly. If a student says, '屋上に呼び出された' (I was called out to the roof), it usually implies a serious conversation, a confession, or a fight.
「屋上で待ってるね」と彼女は言った。("I'll be waiting on the roof," she said.)
In urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka, 'okujō' is a keyword for leisure. During the summer, 'Okujō Beer Gardens' are advertised everywhere—on train posters, digital billboards, and social media. People will ask, '今夜、どこの屋上に行く?' (Which rooftop are we going to tonight?). It suggests a specific type of atmosphere: breezy, slightly expensive, and offering a view of the city lights. In this context, it is a word associated with relaxation and social bonding.
- Residential Life
- In apartment living, the building manager might post signs saying '屋上での花火は禁止です' (Fireworks on the rooftop are prohibited). Residents might discuss using the roof to watch local fireworks festivals (hanabi taikai) if their building has a good view.
マンションの屋上から花火が見える。(You can see the fireworks from the apartment rooftop.)
In the news, you might hear okujō in more somber contexts, such as during natural disasters. Rescue efforts often focus on the okujō of hospitals or schools during floods. Terms like '屋上避難' (okujō hinan - rooftop evacuation) are part of standard safety drills. Consequently, while the word often carries a connotation of fun and views, it also has a functional, life-saving dimension that every resident in Japan is aware of.
- Tourism and Sightseeing
- Tourism brochures for skyscrapers will highlight their 'okujō tenbōdai' (rooftop observation decks). It is a major selling point for modern architecture in Japan.
展望台は屋上にあります。(The observation deck is on the rooftop.)
The most frequent mistake English speakers make when learning 屋上 (okujō) is confusing it with the word 屋根 (yane). While both translate to 'roof' in English, their usage in Japanese is mutually exclusive based on the shape and function of the structure. A 'yane' is the protective cover of a building, usually slanted (like a gable or hip roof) and not designed for people to stand on. If you say you are 'eating lunch on the yane,' people will imagine you precariously balanced on a sloped surface like a ninja, which is likely not what you mean.
- Error: Okujō vs. Yane
- Use 屋上 for flat, walkable surfaces (usually on concrete buildings). Use 屋根 for the structural top of a house (usually tiled or metal and slanted).
× 屋根でテニスをする (Tennis on a slanted roof) → ○ 屋上でテニスをする (Tennis on a rooftop court).
Another common error involves the particle 'ni' versus 'de'. Learners often default to 'ni' for any location, but as discussed, 'de' is required for actions. Saying '屋上に走る' (okujō ni hashiru) means you are running *to* the roof from somewhere else, while '屋上で走る' (okujō de hashiru) means you are already on the roof and exercising there. Misusing these can lead to confusion about your current location or intended destination.
- Confusing with 'Top Floor'
- Learners sometimes use okujō when they mean the 'top floor' (最上階 - saijōkai). The okujō is *outside* and *above* the ceiling of the top floor. If you are inside a room on the highest level, you are on the saijōkai, not the okujō.
× 屋上の部屋 (A room on the rooftop - implies a shed) → ○ 最上階の部屋 (A room on the top floor).
Finally, avoid using okujō for natural features like the top of a mountain. For mountains, the correct term is 山頂 (sanchō) or 頂上 (chōjō). Using okujō for a mountain top sounds like the mountain is a man-made building. This is a nuance of the 'oku' (house) kanji, which ties the word strictly to human architecture. Even a very flat mountain top cannot be called an okujō.
- Kanji Writing Mistakes
- When writing 屋, don't forget the 'shikabane' (corpse) radical on the top left. Without it, the kanji becomes unrecognizable. Also, ensure the bottom part is 室 (shitsu) without the top roof radical, as the shikabane already acts as the 'roof' of the kanji.
While 屋上 (okujō) is the standard term for a rooftop, several other words share overlapping meanings or are used in specific contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to choose the most precise word for the situation.
- 屋上 vs. 屋根 (Yane)
- As mentioned, yane is the structural roof. You can 'fix the yane' (屋根を修理する), but you wouldn't usually 'fix the okujō' unless you are repairing the flooring/waterproofing of the rooftop space.
屋根 (Yane): Focuses on protection from rain/sun. 屋上 (Okujō): Focuses on the space as a usable floor.
Another related term is 頂上 (chōjō). This word means 'summit' or 'peak' and is used for mountains or the absolute highest point of any object. You can reach the chōjō of a mountain or even the chōjō of your career, but you cannot use okujō in these metaphorical or natural contexts. If a building is extremely tall and has a spire, the tip of the spire is the chōjō, but the flat area where you stand is the okujō.
- バルコニー (Barukonī) and ベランダ (Beranda)
- These refer to balconies or verandas attached to individual rooms. An okujō is a shared space for the whole building, whereas a beranda is usually private. If you are drying clothes outside your apartment window, you are on the beranda.
ベランダ (Beranda): Attached to a room. 屋上 (Okujō): The top of the entire building.
In technical architectural terms, you might encounter 'Rūfu-teien' (roof garden) or 'Rūfu-toppu' (rooftop). These are loanwords from English and are often used in modern real estate listings or trendy cafe names to sound more stylish than the traditional 'okujō.' However, okujō remains the most common and versatile word in everyday Japanese. If you are talking to a neighbor or a friend, okujō is almost always the safer and more natural choice.
- 天井 (Tenjō)
- Tenjō means 'ceiling.' It is the underside of the floor above you. So, the okujō is the top of the building, and the tenjō is what you see when you look up from inside a room. They are physical opposites in terms of perspective.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The kanji 屋 (oku) originally depicted a person inside a house. The radical on top 尸 (shikabane) actually means 'corpse' but in this context, it represents a person sitting or a physical body occupying a space.
Guia de pronúncia
- Shortening 'jō' to 'jo'. It must be a long vowel.
- Mispronouncing 'oku' as 'aku'.
- Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'oku'. It is often nearly silent.
- Using an English 'r' sound if misreading the kanji.
- Confusing the pitch with 'okujo' (which is not a word).
Nível de dificuldade
Kanji are basic Jōyō kanji taught early.
屋 can be slightly tricky for beginners to balance.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Distinctive sound, easy to pick out.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Location particles に vs で
屋上にいる (Existence) vs 屋上で遊ぶ (Action).
Movement to a place with へ/に
屋上へ上がる。
Noun modification with の
ビルの屋上。
Describing views with から
屋上から見る。
Compound Noun formation
屋上 + 庭園 = 屋上庭園。
Exemplos por nível
屋上に行きます。
I am going to the rooftop.
Uses the particle 'ni' to show direction.
ここは屋上です。
This is the rooftop.
Simple A wa B desu structure.
屋上にねこがいます。
There is a cat on the rooftop.
Uses 'ni ... ga imasu' for existence of living things.
屋上で休みましょう。
Let's take a rest on the rooftop.
Uses 'de' to show the location of an action.
屋上はひろいです。
The rooftop is spacious.
Simple adjective sentence.
エレベーターで屋上へ行きます。
I go to the rooftop by elevator.
Uses 'de' for means/tool and 'he' for direction.
屋上にお花があります。
There are flowers on the rooftop.
Uses 'ni ... ga arimasu' for non-living things.
屋上から海が見えます。
You can see the sea from the rooftop.
Uses 'kara' to mean 'from'.
屋上で昼ご飯を食べました。
I ate lunch on the rooftop.
Past tense verb with location particle 'de'.
屋上からの景色はとてもきれいです。
The view from the rooftop is very beautiful.
Uses 'kara no' to modify the noun 'keshiki'.
デパートの屋上に小さな神社があります。
There is a small shrine on the rooftop of the department store.
Possessive 'no' links department store and rooftop.
階段を上がって屋上に出ました。
I went up the stairs and out onto the rooftop.
Te-form of 'agaru' used for sequence of actions.
屋上には誰もいませんでした。
There was no one on the rooftop.
Negative existence 'imasen deshita' with 'daremo'.
屋上でテニスをすることができます。
You can play tennis on the rooftop.
Potential structure 'koto ga dekimasu'.
危ないから、屋上に行かないでください。
It's dangerous, so please don't go to the rooftop.
Negative request 'naide kudasai'.
屋上のドアは鍵がかかっています。
The rooftop door is locked.
Passive state 'kagi ga kakatte imasu'.
屋上でお弁当を食べるのが、私の日課です。
Eating lunch on the rooftop is my daily routine.
Nominalizing the action with 'no ga'.
雨が降りそうなので、屋上の洗濯物を取り込みました。
It looked like it was going to rain, so I brought in the laundry from the roof.
Uses 'sō' for appearance and 'torikomu' for bringing in.
屋上庭園は、都会のオアシスとして人気があります。
Rooftop gardens are popular as urban oases.
Compound noun 'okujō teien'.
放課後、彼に屋上へ呼び出されました。
After school, I was called out to the rooftop by him.
Passive voice 'yobidasareta'.
このビルの屋上は、夏になるとビアガーデンになります。
The rooftop of this building becomes a beer garden in the summer.
Conditional 'to' used for natural consequence.
屋上から街を見下ろすと、車がまるでおもちゃのようです。
When looking down at the city from the roof, the cars look just like toys.
Simile 'marude ... no yō desu'.
地震の時は、屋上に避難するように言われました。
I was told to evacuate to the rooftop in case of an earthquake.
Indirect quote 'yō ni iwareta'.
屋上のフェンスは、安全のために高く作られています。
The rooftop fence is built high for safety.
Purpose 'no tame ni'.
屋上緑化は、建物の温度上昇を抑える効果があります。
Rooftop greening has the effect of suppressing the temperature rise of buildings.
Technical term 'okujō ryokuka' (rooftop greening).
屋上の権利を巡って、住民の間でトラブルが起きています。
Trouble is occurring among residents over rooftop rights.
Grammar 'wo megutte' (concerning/over).
このホテルは、屋上にインフィニティプールがあることで有名です。
This hotel is famous for having an infinity pool on its rooftop.
Causative/Reason 'koto de' (famous for...).
屋上の防水工事を行うため、しばらくの間立ち入りが制限されます。
Entry will be restricted for a while to carry out rooftop waterproofing work.
Formal purpose 'tame' and passive 'seigen sareru'.
都会の喧騒から離れて、屋上で静かに読書をするのが好きだ。
I like to read quietly on the rooftop, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Compound verb 'miorosu' and 'hanarete' (separating).
屋上に設置された太陽光パネルが、電力を供給しています。
Solar panels installed on the rooftop are supplying electricity.
Relative clause modifying 'taiyōkō paneru'.
屋上の特設ステージで、アイドルグループのライブが行われた。
A live performance by an idol group was held on a special rooftop stage.
Passive 'okonawareta' (was held).
屋上から見る夕日は、何物にも代えがたい美しさだ。
The sunset seen from the rooftop is an irreplaceable beauty.
Idiomatic expression 'nanimono ni mo kaegatai' (irreplaceable).
屋上という空間は、都市生活における一種の「余白」である。
The space known as the rooftop is a kind of 'blank space' in urban life.
Philosophical usage of 'to iu' (known as).
建築家は、屋上を単なる蓋ではなく、公共の広場として再定義した。
The architect redefined the rooftop not as a mere lid, but as a public square.
Contrast 'de wa naku' (not A but B).
屋上の給水タンクが錆びているのを見て、建物の老朽化を実感した。
Seeing the rusted water tank on the roof, I truly felt the aging of the building.
Nominalized clause 'no wo mite'.
映画のクライマックスシーンは、土砂降りの雨の中、ビルの屋上で撮影された。
The climax scene of the movie was filmed on a building rooftop in the pouring rain.
Compound noun 'doshaburi' and passive 'satsuigai sareta'.
屋上での喫煙が厳しく制限されるようになり、愛煙家たちは肩身の狭い思いをしている。
As smoking on rooftops has become strictly restricted, smokers are feeling increasingly out of place.
Idiom 'katami no semai omoi' (feeling small/unwelcome).
高度成長期のデパートの屋上は、家族連れで賑わう娯楽の殿堂だった。
During the high-growth period, department store rooftops were palaces of entertainment crowded with families.
Historical context with 'dendō' (palace/hall of fame).
屋上へ続く階段の踊り場で、彼女はふと足を止めた。
On the landing of the stairs leading to the roof, she suddenly stopped.
Clause 'okujō he tsuzuku' modifying 'kaidan'.
屋上からの避難経路を確保することは、高層ビルの設計において不可欠だ。
Ensuring an evacuation route from the rooftop is essential in the design of high-rise buildings.
Formal noun 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).
屋上という極めて人工的な地平において、人々は束の間の自由を享受する。
On the extremely artificial horizon of the rooftop, people enjoy a fleeting moment of freedom.
Advanced vocabulary 'kyokumete' (extremely) and 'kyōju' (enjoy/possess).
都市の過密化に伴い、屋上の活用方法は多層的な意味を持ち始めている。
With the increasing density of cities, the methods of rooftop utilization are beginning to hold multi-layered meanings.
Grammar 'ni tomonai' (as/along with).
その小説では、屋上が生と死の境界線として象徴的に描かれている。
In that novel, the rooftop is symbolically depicted as the boundary between life and death.
Abstract literary analysis.
屋上ヘリポートの設置基準は、航空法によって細かく規定されている。
The installation standards for rooftop helipads are minutely regulated by the Aviation Law.
Legal/Technical language 'kitei sarete iru'.
屋上からの俯瞰的な視点は、個人の矮小さを浮き彫りにする。
The bird's-eye perspective from the rooftop highlights the insignificance of the individual.
Advanced kanji 'fukan' (overview) and 'waishō' (smallness).
かつての賑わいを失った寂れた屋上遊園地が、時代の変遷を物語っている。
The deserted rooftop amusement park, having lost its former bustle, tells the story of the changing times.
Poetic expression 'hensen wo monogataru'.
屋上防水層の劣化は、建物全体の構造的欠陥を招きかねない。
The deterioration of the rooftop waterproofing layer could potentially lead to structural defects in the entire building.
Grammar 'kanenai' (might happen - negative outcome).
屋上という「開かれた密室」で、秘密の取引が行われた。
A secret transaction took place in the 'open secret room' that is the rooftop.
Oxymoron 'hirakareta misshitsu'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— Let's go to the roof. A common suggestion among students.
「暇だね」「屋上へ行こうか」
— I'll be waiting on the roof. Often used for private meetings.
放課後、屋上で待ってる。
— The rooftop of a building. The most standard way to identify the location.
あのビルの屋上が見える。
— To look down from the roof. Describes viewing the street below.
屋上から街を見下ろす。
— To take a walk on the roof. Common for rooftop gardens.
広い屋上を散歩する。
— To dry something on the roof. Usually laundry or futons.
布団を屋上に干す。
— The key to the rooftop. Often a plot point in stories.
屋上の鍵を借りる。
— To skip (class/work) on the roof. A common trope.
授業をサボって屋上にいた。
— Opening the roof to the public. Used during festivals.
今日は屋上開放の日だ。
— Rooftop terrace. A more modern/stylish phrase.
屋上テラスでコーヒーを飲む。
Frequentemente confundido com
Yane is the structural, often slanted roof. Okujō is the flat, walkable rooftop.
Tenjō is the ceiling (inside). Okujō is the roof (outside top).
Chōjō is for mountain peaks. Okujō is for buildings.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To build a roof on top of a roof; to do something redundant or unnecessary.
その説明は屋上屋を架すようなものだ。
Formal/Literary— Eye drops from a rooftop; an indirect and ineffective way of doing something (similar to 'long-distance' effort).
彼のアドバイスは屋上から目薬だ。
Proverbial— To entice someone onto a roof and then take away the ladder; to betray someone after leading them on.
彼は屋上に上りて梯を去るような真似をした。
Literary— A crow on a roof; someone who is isolated or stands out in a high place.
彼は屋上のカラスのように孤独だ。
Metaphorical— The moon over the roof; a symbol of beauty and quiet observation.
屋上の月を眺める。
Poetic— A vow made on a rooftop; implies a secret or high-stakes promise.
二人は屋上で誓いを立てた。
Dramatic— To shout from the rooftop; to publicize something loudly (similar to English).
真実を屋上から叫びたい。
Metaphorical— A rooftop secret; something known only to those who meet there.
それは屋上の秘密だ。
Casual— Rooftop wind; refers to a feeling of freedom or change.
屋上の風に吹かれる。
Sensory— The brightest star seen from the roof; a metaphor for a standout person in a city.
彼女は屋上の一等星だ。
PoeticFácil de confundir
Both mean 'roof' in English.
屋根 is the outer covering (slanted), 屋上 is the floor on top (flat).
屋根に瓦がある vs 屋上にベンチがある。
Both refer to the top of a building.
最上階 is the highest indoor floor. 屋上 is the outdoor space above it.
最上階のレストラン vs 屋上のビアガーデン。
Both are outdoor spaces on buildings.
ベランダ is private and attached to a room. 屋上 is the top of the whole building.
ベランダで洗濯物を干す vs 屋上で遊ぶ。
Sounds similar to okujō.
天上 means heaven or celestial. 屋上 is a physical rooftop.
天上の世界 vs ビルの屋上。
Modern rooftops are often called terraces.
テラス is a general term for a flat outdoor area. 屋上 specifically locates it at the very top.
カフェのテラス vs ホテルの屋上。
Padrões de frases
[Place] の 屋上 に [Noun] が あります。
学校の屋上にベンチがあります。
屋上 で [Verb-te] います。
屋上で本を読んでいます。
屋上 から [Noun] が 見えます。
屋上から富士山が見えます。
屋上 に 行く と [Result]。
屋上に行くと、風が気持ちいいです。
屋上 は [Noun] と して 使われて います。
屋上は避難場所として使われています。
[Verb] ために 屋上 に 上がる。
景色を撮るために屋上に上がる。
屋上 という [Noun]。
屋上という都会のオアシス。
屋上 における [Noun] の 役割。
屋上における防災の役割。
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Very common in urban areas and educational settings.
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屋根で昼ご飯を食べる
→
屋上で昼ご飯を食べる
Unless you are sitting on a slanted, tiled roof, use okujō.
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山の屋上に登る
→
山の頂上に登る
Okujō is only for man-made buildings.
-
屋上におる
→
屋上にいる
'Oru' is humble/dialect; 'iru' is standard for existence.
-
屋根庭園
→
屋上庭園
Gardens are built on flat rooftops (okujō), not slanted ones (yane).
-
屋上に行きます (for ceiling)
→
天井を見ます
If you are looking up from inside, it's 'tenjō'.
Dicas
The Anime Trope
If you see a rooftop in anime, expect a confession or a fight. It's the ultimate 'private' public space.
Department Store Secret
Many department store rooftops have small shrines. They are great for a quiet break while shopping.
Particle Choice
Use 'kara' (from) to describe the view: '屋上からの眺め'.
Flat vs Slanted
Always check the shape of the roof before choosing between okujō and yane.
Emergency Use
In Japan, look for signs pointing to the okujō during tsunami warnings.
Summer Vibes
Summer in Japan means 'okujō beer gardens'. It's a must-do experience.
Writing 屋
Think of it as a person (尸) in a room (室) - though the bottom is slightly different.
OK-JOE
Joe is OK on the roof. Easy to remember!
Elevator Listening
Listen for the 'R' floor announcement; it's a great real-world listening test.
Modern Usage
Use 'rūfu-toppu' for trendy cafes, but 'okujō' for everything else.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'OK' and 'JOE'. Joe is doing OK on the rooftop. Oku-jō.
Associação visual
Imagine a tall school building from an anime with a blue fence and students eating lunch on the flat top.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to spot the 'R' button in the next Japanese elevator you see and say 'Okujō' out loud.
Origem da palavra
Derived from Middle Chinese compounds. '屋' (oku) represents a house or covering, and '上' (jō) represents the position above or on top. It has been used in Japanese for centuries to describe the top of a structure.
Significado original: Literally 'Above the house.'
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Contexto cultural
Be aware that rooftops are sometimes associated with suicide in Japanese media; handle the topic with care in sensitive conversations.
In English, 'rooftop' is often associated with parties or luxury penthouses. In Japan, it has a stronger association with school life and department stores.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
School Life
- 屋上で昼ご飯を食べる
- 屋上の鍵を借りる
- 屋上で告白する
- 屋上でサボる
Shopping
- 屋上遊園地
- 屋上特設会場
- 屋上駐車場
- 屋上へはエレベーターで
Safety
- 屋上避難
- 屋上ヘリポート
- 屋上立ち入り禁止
- 屋上のフェンス
Leisure
- 屋上ビアガーデン
- 屋上庭園
- 屋上からの夜景
- 屋上ヨガ
Apartment Living
- 屋上に布団を干す
- 屋上の掃除
- 屋上の共有スペース
- 屋上から花火を見る
Iniciadores de conversa
"このビルの屋上に行ったことがありますか?"
"屋上からの眺めはどうですか?"
"夏に屋上ビアガーデンに行きませんか?"
"学校の屋上は開放されていますか?"
"屋上でゆっくりするのが好きですか?"
Temas para diário
今日、ビルの屋上から見た景色について書いてください。
もし自分の家の屋上に庭があったら、何を植えたいですか?
アニメの中の屋上のシーンで、一番好きなものは何ですか?
都会の屋上をどのように活用すべきだと思いますか?
屋上で過ごした一番の思い出を教えてください。
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasOnly if it is a flat roof that you can walk on. If it is a normal slanted roof, use '屋根' (yane).
It stands for 'Rooftop,' which is called '屋上' (okujō) in Japanese.
In real life, they are usually locked for safety. In anime, they are almost always open for dramatic reasons.
It is '屋上庭園' (okujō teien).
It is '屋上緑化' (okujō ryokuka), a practice to cool buildings using plants.
'Ni' is for being there or going there. 'De' is for doing an activity there.
No, use '頂上' (chōjō) or '山頂' (sanchō) for mountains.
It is a neutral noun used in all registers of Japanese.
It is called a '屋上ビアガーデン' (okujō bia gāden).
The radical 尸 originally meant a person sitting or a body, representing someone occupying a space under a roof.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Translate to Japanese: 'Let's go to the rooftop.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'There is a cat on the rooftop.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I ate lunch on the rooftop.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The view from the rooftop is beautiful.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Please don't go to the rooftop.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'There is a garden on the rooftop of the department store.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I was called to the rooftop after school.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Rooftop greening is effective against heat.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The rooftop is a common area for residents.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'We watched the fireworks from the roof.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '屋上' and '眺める'.
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Write a sentence using '屋上' and 'ビール'.
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Write a sentence using '屋上' and '避難'.
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Write a sentence using '屋上' and '鍵'.
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Write a sentence using '屋上' and '富士山'.
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Translate: 'Rooftop parking is on the 5th floor.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The door to the rooftop is locked.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I want to build a house with a rooftop.'
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Translate: 'The rooftop was crowded with people.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The architect designed a rooftop pool.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe what you can see from a rooftop in a city.
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Why do people go to the rooftop of a department store?
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Explain the difference between 'okujō' and 'yane'.
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Have you ever been to a rooftop beer garden? Describe it.
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What are the benefits of rooftop greening?
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Why is the school rooftop so popular in anime?
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Discuss the importance of rooftops in disaster management.
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How has the use of rooftops changed in Japanese history?
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What kind of activities would you like to do on a rooftop?
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Imagine you are designing a building. What would you put on the roof?
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Describe the feeling of standing on a high rooftop.
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Is there a rooftop you recommend visiting in your city?
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How do you feel about rooftop shrines?
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What are the safety risks of an open rooftop?
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Discuss the concept of 'liminal space' regarding rooftops.
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Translate and say: 'The rooftop is closed due to rain.'
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What is the best time of day to go to a rooftop?
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Why do some people dry futons on the rooftop?
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Do you think every building should have a rooftop garden?
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Explain the phrase 'Okujō-ya wo kasu'.
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Transcript: 'Tsugi wa okujō, okujō de gozaimasu.' Where is the speaker?
Transcript: 'Okujō de o-bentō wo tabeyou!' What does the person want to do?
Transcript: 'Okujō kara no fuji-san wa saikō da ne.' What can they see?
Transcript: 'Ame ga futte kita kara, okujō no sentakumono wo torikonde.' What should be done?
Transcript: 'Okujō teien wa hachi-ji ni shimarimasu.' When does the garden close?
Transcript: 'Okujō ni wa kagi ga kakatte iru you da.' Is the roof accessible?
Transcript: 'Kotoshi no natsu wa okujō bia gāden ni ikou.' When are they going?
Transcript: 'Okujō ryokuka no tame, shibaraku tachiiri kinshi desu.' Why is entry forbidden?
Transcript: 'Okujō kara machi wo miorosu to, jibun ga chiisaku kanjiru.' How does the speaker feel?
Transcript: 'Okujō heripōto ni kyūkyū heri ga tōchaku shimashita.' What arrived?
Transcript: 'Kono biru no okujō wa, ippan kaihō sarete imasen.' Can the public enter?
Transcript: 'Okujō no fensu wo koenai de kudasai.' What is the warning?
Transcript: 'Okujō ni jinja ga aru nante odoroki da ne.' What is surprising?
Transcript: 'Okujō no kaze ga tsuyoi node ki wo tsukete.' What is the danger?
Transcript: 'Okujō de hanabi wo miru no ga tanoshimi da.' What are they looking forward to?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
屋上 (okujō) specifically refers to a flat, accessible rooftop space. Use it when you mean a place people can actually go to, such as '屋上で昼休みを過ごす' (spending lunch break on the rooftop).
- 屋上 (okujō) means a flat, walkable rooftop on a building.
- It is distinct from 屋根 (yane), which is a slanted structural roof.
- Commonly used for gardens, schools, and department store leisure areas.
- Often appears in anime as a place for lunch or dramatic scenes.
The Anime Trope
If you see a rooftop in anime, expect a confession or a fight. It's the ultimate 'private' public space.
Department Store Secret
Many department store rooftops have small shrines. They are great for a quiet break while shopping.
Particle Choice
Use 'kara' (from) to describe the view: '屋上からの眺め'.
Flat vs Slanted
Always check the shape of the roof before choosing between okujō and yane.
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Mais palavras de general
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2Um pouco; um momento. Usado para tornar pedidos mais educados.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2Agora pouco; há pouco tempo.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
~について
A2Uma expressão usada para indicar o assunto de uma conversa ou pensamento.
〜について
B1Uma expressão usada para significar 'sobre' ou 'a respeito de'.
~ぐらい
A2Uma partícula japonesa que significa 'cerca de' ou 'aproximadamente'.
ぐらい
A2Levará cerca de cinco minutos. (Levará cerca de 5 minutos.)