Translation and Meaning of: 待合室 - machiaishitsu

The expression 「待合室」 (machiaishitsu) is made up of three kanji characters: 「待」 (machi) which means "to wait," 「合」 (ai) which denotes "meeting" or "to gather," and 「室」 (shitsu) which means "room." Literally, the word can be translated as "waiting room." It is a common term used in train stations, medical offices, and other places where people wait for services or assistance. The etymology of the word reveals the social function of these waiting spaces, which are designed for people to meet and wait in an organized manner.

The kanji 「待」 is composed of the radical for "hand" and "temple," suggesting the original idea of "waiting patiently." 「合」 has its roots in ideas of joining and adjustment, capturing the essence of people temporarily gathering in the same place. Finally, 「室」 is an architectural symbol that represents an enclosed space or a room. When combined, these kanji form a clear and practical concept of a space where one waits for the arrival of transport or service.

Historically, the use of waiting rooms began to gain popularity in Japan with the development of railway networks in the late 19th century, where a space was needed to accommodate passengers while they waited for their transportation time. In Japanese culture, the importance of maintaining order and organization, even during moments of waiting, made the 「待合室」 an essential part of public infrastructure. Waiting rooms are not only functional but often designed to offer comfort, reflecting the consideration for user experience, which is fundamental in Japanese service culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 休憩室 (Kyūkeishitsu) - Break room
• ロビー (Robī) - Lobby
• 待ち合わせ室 (Machiawase-shitsu) - Meeting room
• 待ち合わせ場所 (Machiawase-basho) - Meeting place
• 待合所 (Machi-ai-sho) - Waiting station
• 休息室 (Kyūsokushitsu) - Lounge
• 休憩所 (Kyūkeijo) - Rest area
• 待合い室 (Machi-ai-shitsu) - waiting room
• 待合場所 (Machi-ai basho) - Waiting area
• 待合せ場所 (Machi awase basho) - Meeting place (more detailed form)
• 待合室内 (Machi-ai shitsu-nai) - Waiting room interior
• 待合室外 (Machi-ai shitsu-gai) - Waiting room exterior
• 待合室前 (Machi-ai shitsu-mae) - Front of the waiting room
• 待合室後 (Machi-ai shitsu-go) - Behind the waiting room
• 待合室横 (Machi-ai shitsu-yoko) - Waiting room side
• 待合室向かい (Machi-ai shitsu-mukai) - In front of the waiting room
• 待合室隣 (Machi-ai shitsu-tonari) - Next to the waiting room
• 待合室前方 (Machi-ai shitsu-zempō) - In front of the waiting room
• 待合室後方 (Machi-ai shitsu-kōhō) - At the back of the waiting room
• 待合室左側 (Machi-ai shitsu-hidari-gawa) - Left side of the waiting room
• 待合室右側 (Machi-ai shitsu-migi-gawa) - Right side of the waiting room
• 待合室中央 (Machi-ai shitsu-chūō) - Waiting room center
• 待合室入口 (Machi-ai shitsu-iri-guchi) - Waiting room entrance
• 待合室出口 (Machi-ai shitsu-deguchi) - Exit from the waiting room
• 待合室窓口 (Machi-ai shitsu-madoguchi) - Service in the waiting room

待合室

Romaji: machiaishitsu
Kana: まちあいしつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: waiting room

Meaning in English: waiting room

Definition: A room or place to wait anywhere.

Example Sentences - (待合室) machiaishitsu

See below some example sentences:

待合室にはたくさんの人がいます。

Maishitsu ni wa takusan no hito ga imasu

There are many people in the waiting room.

• 待合室 - waiting room
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 人 - people
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• います - verb that indicates the existence of something or someone