Translation guide
The city name 'Los Angeles' is typically rendered in Japanese as ロサンゼルス, a direct katakana transliteration. In casual contexts, it is often abbreviated to ロス. When referring to the greater metropolitan area, ロサンゼルス都市圏 may be used. In formal or written contexts, the full form is preferred.
Referring to the city of Los Angeles in general conversation or writing.
Standard Japanese transliteration of 'Los Angeles'. Used in most contexts, both spoken and written.
ロサンゼルスに行ったことがありますか？
Have you ever been to Los Angeles?
ロサンゼルスは大都市です。
Los Angeles is a big city.
Common abbreviation, especially in casual conversation or among younger speakers. Can also refer to the Los Angeles area more broadly.
来月ロスに行くんだ。
I'm going to LA next month.
ロスで生まれました。
I was born in LA.
Formal term meaning 'the City of Los Angeles', used in official or administrative contexts.
ロサンゼルス市の人口は約400万人です。
The population of the City of Los Angeles is about 4 million.
Referring to the metropolitan area including surrounding cities and counties.
Standard term for the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
ロサンゼルス都市圏には多くの日本人が住んでいます。
Many Japanese people live in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Means 'the suburbs of Los Angeles' or 'the Los Angeles vicinity'. Used when referring to areas around the city.
ロサンゼルス近郊に住んでいます。
I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
While ロス is widely understood, it is considered casual. In formal writing or news reports, ロサンゼルス is preferred. Using ロス in a business setting may sound too informal.
ロス支店
LA branch office