Translation guide
In Japanese politics, a cabinet minister is a member of the Cabinet (内閣). The most common and direct term is 大臣 (daijin), which refers to a minister who heads a specific ministry. The broader term 閣僚 (kakuryō) refers to any cabinet member, including ministers of state without portfolio. When addressing or referring to a minister with respect, the suffix 〜大臣 (〜daijin) is used after the portfolio name.
cabinet minister (general)
cabinet minister (collective/formal)
To refer to a cabinet minister who is in charge of a specific government ministry (e.g., Finance Minister, Foreign Minister).
The standard term for a minister who heads a ministry. It is used both as a standalone noun and as a suffix attached to the ministry name.
He was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.
A collective or formal term for cabinet ministers. It is often used in news reports to refer to members of the cabinet as a group, rather than an individual minister.
To refer to a cabinet minister who does not head a specific ministry, such as the Chief Cabinet Secretary or a minister for special missions.
To address a cabinet minister directly or refer to them politely, often using their title.
To refer to someone who previously served as a cabinet minister.
大臣 (daijin) is the most common word for a cabinet minister and is used for individual ministers, especially those heading ministries. 閣僚 (kakuryō) is a more formal, collective term often used in news or official contexts to refer to cabinet members as a group. When in doubt, use 大臣 for a specific minister.
The new minister took office.
The minister announced the new policy at a press conference.
首相は閣僚を召集した。
The prime minister convened the cabinet ministers.
One of the cabinet ministers announced his resignation.
Minister of State. This term is used for cabinet members who are not in charge of a ministry but hold specific portfolios like Chief Cabinet Secretary or Minister for Okinawa Affairs. It is often abbreviated as 大臣 in context.
As a Minister of State, he is in charge of administrative reform.
As above, 閣僚 can also include ministers of state. It is a broader term encompassing all cabinet members.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary is one of the important cabinet ministers.
Finance Minister Suzuki, please share your opinion.
Defense Minister Yamada attended the meeting.
In formal settings, use the family name followed by the title (e.g., 鈴木大臣). In very formal or written contexts, the full title with ministry name is used.
Minister, thank you for your time today.
He gave a lecture as a former cabinet minister.
Immediate predecessor minister. 前 implies the person who held the post just before the current minister.
We will continue the policies of the previous minister.
The list of cabinet ministers was announced.
When referring to a specific minister, it is common to use the portfolio name + 大臣, e.g., 外務大臣 (Foreign Minister), 財務大臣 (Finance Minister). In English, 'Minister of Foreign Affairs' and 'Foreign Minister' are both used; in Japanese, 外務大臣 is the standard form.
The Foreign Minister gave a speech at the UN.