Translation guide
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and a major global city. In Japanese, it is 東京 (とうきょう). When referring to the city, the word is used as a proper noun. Note that Tokyo can also refer to the greater metropolitan area or the prefecture.
Tokyo
Referring to the capital city of Japan, either the 23 special wards or the broader metropolis.
The standard name for Tokyo. Use this in almost all contexts.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
I'm going to Tokyo next week.
Refers to the Tokyo Metropolis, the administrative prefecture that includes the 23 wards, cities, and islands.
The population of Tokyo Metropolis is about 14 million.
Specifically the 23 special wards of central Tokyo. Used when distinguishing from the wider metropolis.
The 23 wards of Tokyo have a very high population density.
When Tokyo appears in the name of a company, institution, or event.
Prefix for names of Tokyo-based entities. The reading of the whole name may vary.
The University of Tokyo is one of the most famous universities in Japan.
I'll take the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
Referring to the larger metropolitan region including surrounding prefectures.
Literally 'capital region', commonly used to refer to the Greater Tokyo Area including Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
The transportation network in the Greater Tokyo Area is highly developed.
Another term for the Tokyo metropolitan area, often used in statistics and planning.
The 'kyo' in Tokyo is pronounced as one syllable, similar to 'kyo' in 'Kyoto'. Avoid saying 'To-ki-yo' with three distinct syllables.
Tokyo is a proper noun. Do not use it to refer to other capital cities or large cities in general.
The population of the Tokyo metropolitan area exceeds 30 million.