Translation guide
The term "capitol" refers to a building where a legislature meets, most famously the U.S. Capitol. In Japanese, the equivalent concept is expressed with specific terms for the national legislature building, and more general terms for government or parliament buildings.
The Capitol is located in Washington, D.C.
While this term usually refers to Japan's National Diet Building, it can be used generically for a capitol building. When context makes it clear, it can refer to the U.S. Capitol.
The U.S. capitol building is called the 'Capitol'.
The direct loanword from English. It is understood, especially in contexts like 'Capitol Hill', but is less common than the descriptive Japanese terms.
Capitol Hill is the center of politics.
Referring to a building where a U.S. state legislature meets.
Referring to the main building where a national legislature meets, in a general or non-U.S. context.
The generic term for a national parliament or congress building. It is used for Japan's National Diet Building and can be applied to other countries' equivalents.
Japan's National Diet Building is in Tokyo.
A more general term meaning 'assembly hall' or 'parliament building'. It can be used when the context makes the specific legislature clear.
国会議事堂 (National Diet Building) is the general term for Japan's legislature building and can be used for other countries. 連邦議会議事堂 (Federal Assembly Hall) is specifically the U.S. Capitol. Use 連邦議会議事堂 when you need to be unambiguous about the U.S. Capitol.
In English, 'capital' (city) and 'capitol' (building) are distinct. In Japanese, the building is 議事堂 (ぎじどう) or 国会議事堂, while the capital city is 首都 (しゅと). Be careful not to confuse them.
The Texas State Capitol is in Austin.
The British Parliament building is the Palace of Westminster.
That parliament building is popular with tourists.