🧭 When do people use “motor pool” in Japan?
“Motor pool” is a unique Kansai expression for a parking lot, usually referring to a monthly-rented parking space.
The term comes from the American English “motor pool,” but in Japan, it’s mostly used in the Kansai region.
If you walk around Osaka or Kyoto, you might spot signs that say “モータープール (motor pool),” and be surprised—it’s not a swimming pool!
It’s one of those fun regional words that can catch non-Kansai speakers off guard.
🔍 How do you say “parking lot” in standard vs Kansai Japanese?
🗾 Standard Japanese
🔸 Example
あそこの駐車場、月極で契約してるんだ(Asoko no chūshajō, tsukigime de keiyaku shiterunda)
➡ I’ve got a monthly contract at that parking lot over there.
✅ Explanation
“Chūshajō” is the standard word for “parking lot” and is used nationwide in Japan.
🎯 Kansai Dialect
🔸 Example
あそこのモータープール、うちの契約してるとこやで(Asoko no mōtā pūru, uchi no keiyaku shiteru toko yade)
➡ That motor pool is the one my family rents.
✅ Explanation
“Motor pool” is a Kansai-specific term that typically refers to parking lots with monthly contracts.
It might not be understood in other regions of Japan.
💡 In Kansai, a “motor pool” is just a parking lot—no swimming involved!
💬 Sample Phrases Using "motorpool" in Kansai Dialect
Mōtā pūru tte kaite aru kedo, koko tte chūshajō nan?
2️⃣ 実家の前のモータープール、今空いてるらしいで
Jikka no mae no mōtā pūru, ima aiteru rashii de
3️⃣ モータープール、来月から値上げするらしいで
Mōtā pūru, raigetsu kara neage suru rashii de
1️⃣ It says “motor pool,” but is this a parking lot?
2️⃣ The motor pool in front of my parents’ house seems to be available now.
3️⃣ They say the motor pool’s raising prices next month.
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