宿

• Reading: やど
• Romaji: yado
• Kanji breakdown: 宿 (yado/shuku) — inn, lodging, dwelling
• Pronunciation: /ja.do/

Meaning

Inn; lodging; accommodation. A place to stay overnight, especially a traditional Japanese inn.

A noun for lodging or accommodation, often evoking traditional Japanese inns (旅館). Used in compounds like 宿泊 (shukuhaku, staying overnight), 宿屋 (yadoya, inn), and 宿題 (shukudai, homework — literally 'lodging assignment'). Also appears as the verb 宿る (yadoru, to dwell, to be inhabited by).

Examples

1. 温泉の近くに良い宿を見つけた。 I found a nice inn near the hot springs.
2. 旅の途中で小さな宿に泊まった。 During my trip, I stayed at a small inn along the way.
3. 今夜の宿はまだ決まっていない。 I haven't decided on a place to stay tonight yet.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, tourism, accommodation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 宿 contains 宀 (roof radical) and a phonetic component, originally meaning a place where travelers rest under a roof. Historically important along the Tokaido and other highway systems.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal