下宿

げしゅく

lodging, boarding house

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"下宿" (げしゅく) refers to lodging or boarding, typically involving renting a room in someone's house, often with meals included. It is commonly used by students or workers who live away from home.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when talking about living arrangements near schools or workplaces. It implies a more personal, home-like environment compared to a hotel or apartment.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 下宿する: to lodge or board somewhere
  • 下宿先: the place where one boards
  • 下宿の家賃: boarding house rent

Register and Nuance

"下宿" is a neutral term, neither too formal nor casual. It is often used in everyday conversation about living arrangements.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse "下宿" with "宿泊" (しゅくはく), which means staying overnight temporarily, like at a hotel. "下宿" implies a longer-term living arrangement.

Example Sentences

だいがくのちかくにげしゅくしています。

I am lodging near the university.

げしゅくのやちんはつきにごまんえんです。

The boarding house rent is 50,000 yen per month.

げしゅくさきのひととなかよくなりました。

I became friendly with the people at my boarding house.