小屋

• Reading: こや
• Romaji: koya
• Kanji breakdown: 小 (ko/shou) — small; 屋 (ya/oku) — house, roof, shop
• Pronunciation: /ko.ja/

Meaning

Hut; cabin; shed. A small, simple building or shelter.

A noun referring to small, typically simple structures. Used for various types: 山小屋 (mountain hut/lodge), 犬小屋 (doghouse), 物置小屋 (storage shed). In historical context, 芝居小屋 referred to a theater. The word conveys simplicity and modest scale.

Examples

1. 山の頂上近くに山小屋があった。 There was a mountain hut near the summit.
2. 庭に犬小屋を作ってあげた。 I built a doghouse in the yard for the dog.
3. 古い小屋を改装してカフェにした。 They renovated an old hut and turned it into a café.

Usage Guide

Context: outdoors, animals, architecture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 小 (small) and 屋 (house, roof, shop). Literally 'small house,' referring to a modest structure. 屋 originally depicted a roof or shelter.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal