Translation guide
A public building where people gather for activities, events, and social services. In Japanese, the term varies by region and type of facility.
Where is the community center?
Use 公民館 for a typical local public community center.
A local public facility for meetings, classes, and events.
The most common term for a public community center in Japan, often run by the local government. Used for classes, meetings, and cultural activities.
There is a yoga class at the community center.
Used in some cities (e.g., Yokohama) for district-level community centers offering similar services to 公民館.
A facility focused on activities for young people.
A facility promoting cultural exchange or international understanding.
A facility for elderly people to socialize and participate in activities.
公民館 is the traditional, government-run community center found in most neighborhoods, often with a focus on education and culture. コミュニティセンター is a more modern term, sometimes used for privately run or multipurpose spaces. In casual conversation, コミュニティセンター may sound more familiar to English speakers, but 公民館 is the standard term.
If you're looking for a specific kind of community center (e.g., for children, seniors, or international exchange), use the more precise term like 児童館, 老人福祉センター, or 国際交流センター. This avoids confusion and helps you find the right place.
A loanword from English, often used for modern or multipurpose community facilities, sometimes with a more casual or commercial feel.
A new community center was built near the station.
Voting for the election takes place at the district community center.
Specifically a children's center or youth center, providing play areas and activities for kids.
After school, the children play at the community center.
A center for youth and adolescents, often offering educational and recreational programs.
There is a dance workshop at the youth center.
I'm studying Japanese at the international community center.
A cultural center, often hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and classes. Can be public or private.
I'm learning pottery at the cultural center.
My grandmother enjoys karaoke at the senior center every week.
A more general term for a senior center, sometimes used interchangeably with 老人福祉センター.
There is a health exercise class at the senior center.