個室

• Reading: こしつ
• Romaji: koshitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 個 (ko) — individual, single, counter for items; 室 (shitsu) — room
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɕi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Private room; single room. A room for one person or a small group, offering privacy.

A noun referring to a private, enclosed room as opposed to shared or open spaces. Used across many contexts: hospital rooms (個室に入院する), restaurant private dining rooms (個室のある居酒屋), internet cafes, and karaoke venues. In Japanese culture where shared spaces are common, 個室 represents a premium offering that provides privacy and personal space.

Examples

1. 個室のある居酒屋を予約した。 I made a reservation at an izakaya with private rooms.
2. 入院するなら個室がいいけど料金が高い。 A private hospital room would be nice, but it's expensive.
3. ネットカフェの個室で仮眠を取った。 I took a nap in a private room at an internet cafe.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, hospitals, accommodation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 個 (ko, individual/single) + 室 (shitsu, room). Literally 'individual room' — a space designated for private use.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal