Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Police" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "police", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
交番
こうばん (kōban)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
警官
けいかん (keikan)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "police" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 交番 and 警官.
In Japanese, 交番 (こうばん (kōban)) is typically associated with "police box; koban" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A small police station or post, very common in Japan. People often go there to ask for directions or report minor issues..
On the other hand, 警官 (けいかん (keikan)) maps to "police officer" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A formal term for a police officer. More common in news or official contexts than the more informal お巡りさん. A literal translation of "police" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "交番"
駅の前に交番があります。
There is a police box in front of the station.
Bilingual Context for "警官"
事故現場に警官が到着しました。
Police officers arrived at the accident scene.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "駅の前に ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "There is a police box in front of the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "交番" fits here because it means "police box; koban" in the context of: "There is a police box in front of the station.". "警官" represents "police officer".