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.
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.
彼は外務大臣に任命された。
He was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.
大臣は記者会見で新しい政策を発表した。
The minister announced the new policy at a press conference.
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.
首相は閣僚を召集した。
The prime minister convened the cabinet ministers.
閣僚の一人が辞任を表明した。
One of the cabinet ministers announced his resignation.
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.
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.
彼は国務大臣として行政改革を担当している。
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.
To address a cabinet minister directly or refer to them politely, often using their title.
Attach 大臣 to the portfolio name to address or refer to a minister respectfully. This is the standard way to say 'Minister (of X)'.
鈴木財務大臣、ご意見をお聞かせください。
Finance Minister Suzuki, please share your opinion.
山田防衛大臣は会議に出席した。
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.
大臣、本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。
Minister, thank you for your time today.
To refer to someone who previously served as a cabinet minister.
Former minister. 元 (former) is prefixed to 大臣. It can also be used with a specific portfolio: 元外務大臣 (former Foreign Minister).
彼は元大臣として講演を行った。
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.
前大臣の政策を引き継ぐ。
We will continue the policies of the previous 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.
新しい大臣が就任した。
The new minister took office.
閣僚名簿が発表された。
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.
外務大臣は国連で演説した。
The Foreign Minister gave a speech at the UN.
内閣官房長官は重要な閣僚の一人だ。
The Chief Cabinet Secretary is one of the important cabinet ministers.