Translation guide
The English word 'census' refers to an official count or survey of a population. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 国勢調査 (こくせいちょうさ), which specifically means a national population census. Other terms exist for different types of surveys or registers.
The official count of a country's population, typically conducted every few years.
The standard term for a national census. Used in official contexts and everyday conversation.
国勢調査は5年ごとに行われます。
The national census is conducted every five years.
国勢調査に回答するのは国民の義務です。
It is the duty of citizens to respond to the census.
Loanword from English, used in technical or statistical contexts. Less common in general conversation.
このデータはセンサスに基づいています。
This data is based on the census.
Official surveys or counts that are not the national population census.
General word for 'survey' or 'investigation'. Often combined with a topic word to specify the type of census.
農業調査が来月行われます。
The agricultural census will be conducted next month.
経済調査の結果が発表された。
The results of the economic census were announced.
Also used for non-population censuses in technical fields.
Old systems of population registration, such as the family register system.
Refers to the family register system, which records births, deaths, marriages, etc. Not exactly a census, but sometimes translated as such in historical contexts.
江戸時代には戸籍に基づいた人口調査が行われた。
In the Edo period, a population census was conducted based on family registers.
Historical term for religious affiliation registers used in the Edo period, which functioned as a form of census.
宗門人別帳は寺請制度に基づいていた。
The religious census register was based on the temple certification system.
国勢調査 is the standard term for the national population census. センサス is a loanword used mainly in academic or statistical contexts, and can refer to various types of censuses (population, economic, etc.). In everyday conversation, 国勢調査 is preferred.
While センサス is understood, it sounds technical. Use 国勢調査 when talking about the regular population count.
事業所センサスは経済の実態を把握するために重要です。
The establishment census is important for understanding the actual state of the economy.