ホテル

• Reading: ホテル
• Romaji: hoteru
• Pronunciation: /ho.te.ɾɯ/

Meaning

Hotel. A Western-style accommodation offering rooms for travellers.

A katakana loanword from English 'hotel.' In Japan, ホテル refers specifically to Western-style hotels, as opposed to 旅館 (ryokan, traditional Japanese inn). Types range from ビジネスホテル (budget business hotels) to luxury hotels. Japanese hotels are known for their impeccable service and cleanliness.

Examples

1. 東京で大きいホテルに泊まりました。 I stayed at a big hotel in Tokyo.
2. ホテルの部屋から海が見えます。 You can see the ocean from the hotel room.
3. 空港の近くのホテルを予約しました。 I booked a hotel near the airport.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, accommodation, tourism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'hotel,' ultimately from French hôtel. The word was adopted into Japanese during the Meiji era as Western-style accommodation became available.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal