Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bill" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bill", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
法案
ほうあん (hōan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
議案
ぎあん (gian)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bill" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 法案 and 議案.
In Japanese, 法案 (ほうあん (hōan)) is typically associated with "bill (e.g., in parliament), legislative bill" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A draft law presented to a legislature.
On the other hand, 議案 (ぎあん (gian)) maps to "bill, measure, agenda item (for a meeting/assembly)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A general term for a proposal or matter to be discussed and decided at a meeting or assembly. It is broader than 法案 and includes any item on an agenda. 会議などで審議・決定されるべき議題や提案。. A literal translation of "bill" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "法案"
新しい税制に関する法案が国会に提出された。
A bill concerning the new tax system was submitted to the Diet.
Bilingual Context for "議案"
次の会議の議案を確認してください。
Please check the agenda items for the next meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しい税制に関する ＿＿＿ が国会に提出された。" (Meaning: "A bill concerning the new tax system was submitted to the Diet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "法案" fits here because it means "bill (e.g., in parliament), legislative bill" in the context of: "A bill concerning the new tax system was submitted to the Diet.". "議案" represents "bill, measure, agenda item (for a meeting/assembly)".