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
警察署
けいさつしょ (keisatsusho)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "police" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 交番 and 警察署.
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, 警察署 (けいさつしょ (keisatsusho)) maps to "police station" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 警察官が勤務し、事件の対応や住民の安全を守る施設です。何かあった時に訪れる場所です。. 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 "警察署"
落とし物をしたので、警察署に行きました。
I lost something, so I went to the police station.
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.". "警察署" represents "police station".