Translation guide
The US Congress is the legislative branch of the United States federal government. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the borrowed term 米国議会 or simply 議会 when context is clear. This guide covers how to refer to the institution, its chambers, and related expressions.
Referring to the legislative branch of the US government as a whole.
Standard term for the US Congress. 米国 means 'United States' and 議会 means 'congress' or 'parliament'.
米国議会は二院制です。
The US Congress is bicameral.
Also common, using アメリカ (America) instead of 米国. Slightly more casual.
アメリカ議会で新しい法律が可決された。
A new law was passed in the US Congress.
Formal term using 合衆国 (United States). Less common in everyday speech.
合衆国議会は立法権を持つ。
The United States Congress holds legislative power.
Simply 'Congress' when context makes it clear you're talking about the US. Can also refer to other countries' congresses or parliaments.
議会は予算案を審議中だ。
Congress is deliberating the budget proposal.
Referring specifically to the US Senate.
Standard term for the upper house, used for the US Senate.
上院議員は6年任期です。
Senators serve six-year terms.
Explicitly 'US Senate'. Used when clarity is needed.
米国上院は条約批准の権限を持つ。
The US Senate has the power to ratify treaties.
Referring specifically to the US House of Representatives.
Standard term for the lower house, used for the US House of Representatives.
下院議員の任期は2年です。
House members serve two-year terms.
Explicitly 'US House of Representatives'.
米国下院は歳出法案を先議する。
The US House of Representatives initiates appropriations bills.
Referring to a member of either house.
Generic term for a member of a congress or parliament. Can be used for US Congress members.
彼は議員に立候補した。
He ran for Congress.
Specifically 'federal congress member', distinguishing from state legislators.
連邦議会議員はワシントンD.C.で勤務する。
Members of Congress work in Washington, D.C.
Referring specifically to a US Senator.
Standard term for a senator.
上院議員は各州から2名選出される。
Two senators are elected from each state.
Referring specifically to a member of the House of Representatives.
Standard term for a member of the House of Representatives.
下院議員は人口に比例して選出される。
Representatives are elected based on population.
In Japanese, 議会 can refer to any legislative body. When the context is clearly about the US, you can use 議会 without 米国. However, in initial mentions or formal writing, it's safer to use 米国議会.
上院 (upper house) is the Senate, and 下院 (lower house) is the House of Representatives. These terms are also used for other bicameral legislatures, so add 米国 if needed for clarity.