Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Police" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "police", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
警察
けいさつ (keisatsu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
交番
こうばん (kōban)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "police" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 警察 and 交番.
In Japanese, 警察 (けいさつ (keisatsu)) is typically associated with "police, police station" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can refer to the institution.
On the other hand, 交番 (こうばん (kōban)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "police" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "警察"
困った時は警察に電話してください。
Please call the police when you are in trouble.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "困った時は ＿＿＿ に電話してください。" (Meaning: "Please call the police when you are in trouble.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "警察" fits here because it means "police, police station" in the context of: "Please call the police when you are in trouble.". "交番" represents "police box; koban".