駐車場

• Reading: ちゅうしゃじょう
• Romaji: chuushajou
• Kanji breakdown: 駐 (chuu) — park, station; 車 (sha) — car, vehicle; 場 (jou) — place
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.ɕa.dʑoː/

Meaning

Parking lot; car park; parking garage. A designated area for parking vehicles.

An essential everyday word, especially for drivers. In Japan, proof of having a parking space (車庫証明) is legally required before purchasing a car. Abbreviated as 駐車 (parking) in signs like 駐車禁止 (no parking). Common question: 駐車場はありますか (is there parking available?).

Examples

1. このスーパーの駐車場は無料です。 The parking lot at this supermarket is free.
2. 駐車場が満車で車を停められなかった。 The parking lot was full, so I couldn't park my car.
3. 駅の近くに大きい駐車場があります。 There is a big parking lot near the station.

Usage Guide

Context: driving, shopping, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 駐 (to park, to station), 車 (car, vehicle), and 場 (place). Together: a place where vehicles are stationed.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal