Translation and Meaning of: 空間 - akima

If you have ever searched for a place to live in Japan or seen real estate ads, you have probably come across the word 空間[あきま]. It appears on signs, classifieds, and even in everyday conversations, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the etymology, usage, and even curiosities about this very useful expression. Besides the basic meaning of "vacancy" or "room for rent," you will discover how it is written, its origin, and tips for memorizing the kanji. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also find examples of ready-made sentences to study in Anki or another spaced repetition system.

Why is this word so common? In cities like Tóquio and Osaka, where space is limited, finding an あきま can be a challenge. But does it have other uses beyond real estate? And how do Japanese people pronounce it in everyday life? Let's unveil all of this, including the reasons why it appears so often in Google searches alongside terms like "rent in Japan" and "how to look for an apartment."

Etymology and writing of 空間[あきま]

The word 空間[あきま] is made up of two kanji: 空 (empty, sky) and 間 (space, interval). Together, they literally mean "empty space,” which makes perfect sense when we talk about a location available for rent. Interestingly, the reading あきま (akima) is not the most common for these kanji—usually, 空間 is read as くうかん (kūkan), which has a broader meaning, such as "physical space" or even "cosmic space."

But why this specific reading? The pronunciation あきま comes from the verb 空く (aku), which means "to be empty" or "vacant." In other words, it’s a colloquial way of saying "a space that is free." If you have seen a sign written only in hiragana (あきま), know that it is an attempt to simplify for those who still do not master the kanji. However, in formal advertisements, the ideograms usually appear to make it clear that it refers to a real estate vacancy.

Lies in everyday life and cultural context

In Japan, あきま is one of those words that everyone knows, especially those who have had to search for a place to live. It is mainly used in real estate contexts but also appears in more casual situations. For example, if a friend is moving and asks: "Do you know a good あきま around here?", he is clearly looking for a place to rent.

A cultural curiosity is that the Japanese tend to be direct when announcing a 空間[あきま]. You will hardly see long descriptions—usually, the signs only indicate the size (6畳, 8畳 etc.), the price, and whether utilities are included. This reflects the practicality of the local culture, where objective information is valued more than persuasive texts. If you are looking for a place, also pay attention to variations like 空き部屋 (akiheya), which means "vacant room."

Tips for memorization and related searches

If you want to memorize this word, a good tip is to associate the kanji 空 (sky/empty) with an "open space" and 間 (interval) with something that is "between two things." Together, they convey the idea of an unoccupied place, ready to be filled. Another trick is to remember that あきま sounds like "aqui má" (is there here?), a playful way that can help when trying to recall the meaning.

No Google, searches for 空間[あきま] often come accompanied by terms like "cheap rent Tokyo," "how to rent a room in Japan," and "kitchenette included." This shows that people not only want to understand the word but also how to use it in practice. If you are planning to live in the country, it's worth researching also for 賃貸 (chintai, rent) and 初期費用 (shoki hiyō, initial costs), as they frequently appear in the same listings.