Translation guide
A member of a council or advisory body. In Japanese, the term varies based on the type of council, level of government, or organization.
An elected member of a municipal or prefectural assembly.
General term for a member of an assembly, such as a city or prefectural council. Often combined with the assembly name.
彼は市議会議員です。
He is a city councilor.
Abbreviation for city councilor, common in news and conversation.
市議の選挙が近い。
The city councilor election is coming up.
A member of the House of Councillors in Japan's national Diet.
Official term for a member of the House of Councillors, the upper house of Japan's parliament.
参議院議員は任期が6年です。
House of Councillors members have a six-year term.
Abbreviated form used in media and informal contexts.
A member of a non-legislative advisory board, committee, or council in government, business, or organizations.
General term for a committee member or council member in an advisory capacity. Used for various boards and councils.
彼女は教育委員会の委員です。
She is a member of the board of education.
Specifically a councilor or trustee of an organization, often used in schools, foundations, or non-profits.
A person who provides expert advice, similar to a counselor or consultant.
An advisor or counselor, often in a professional or corporate setting. Implies a formal advisory role.
会社の法律顧問に相談した。
I consulted the company's legal advisor.
A member of a student council in a school.
Refers to an officer or member of the student council. '生徒会' means student council, and '役員' means officer.
生徒会役員に立候補した。
I ran for student council.
A more casual way to say student council member, using the loanword 'member'.
彼は生徒会のメンバーだ。
He is a student council member.
議員 (giin) is for elected legislative members. 委員 (iin) is for appointed committee or council members. 顧問 (komon) is for professional advisors, often in companies. Do not use 議員 for non-legislative roles.
市議会議員 vs. 教育委員会の委員 vs. 法律顧問
City councilor vs. board of education member vs. legal advisor
The English word 'councilor' covers many roles. In Japanese, you must specify the type of council. Using カウンセラー (kaunseraa) usually means psychological counselor, not a council member.
That councilor (upper house member) is famous.
彼は学校法人の評議員だ。
He is a councilor of the educational institution.
A corporate advisor, often a retired executive who provides guidance. Similar to 'counselor' in a business context.
彼は相談役として会社に残った。
He stayed with the company as an advisor.