Translation guide
The English word "court" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a place for legal proceedings, a playing area for sports, and the royal/imperial residence. It also touches on the verb meaning (to woo) and the idea of a courtyard.
The place where legal trials and hearings take place.
The standard, neutral word for a court of law. Used for all levels of courts.
彼は裁判所で証言した。
He testified in court.
裁判所はその事件を審理している。
The court is hearing the case.
Refers specifically to the courtroom itself, the physical space where proceedings occur.
法廷は静かだった。
The courtroom was quiet.
Means 'trial' or 'judgment'. Often used in phrases like 'take to court' or 'court case'.
彼は裁判にかけられた。
He was taken to court.
裁判が始まった。
The court proceedings began.
The marked area where games like tennis, basketball, or volleyball are played.
The most common word for a sports court. Used for tennis, basketball, volleyball, etc.
テニスコートを予約した。
I reserved a tennis court.
バスケットボールのコートで練習する。
Practice on the basketball court.
A more general term for a sports ground or arena. Not specifically a 'court', but can be used in some contexts.
The residence and entourage of a monarch or sovereign.
The standard word for a royal or imperial court. Used historically and for modern monarchies.
彼は宮廷に仕えていた。
He served at the royal court.
宮廷の儀式は厳かだった。
The court ceremony was solemn.
Specifically refers to the imperial court of Japan. Often used in historical contexts.
An open area surrounded by buildings or walls.
The most common word for a courtyard, especially within a building complex.
ホテルの中庭に噴水がある。
There is a fountain in the hotel courtyard.
A general word for garden or yard. Can sometimes mean courtyard, but is broader.
家の庭でバーベキューをした。
We had a barbecue in the yard.
To try to gain someone's love or favor, often with the intention of marriage.
The most direct translation for 'to court' in a romantic sense. Can sound formal or literary.
彼は彼女に求愛した。
He courted her.
To make romantic advances, to woo. More colloquial than 求愛する.
彼は彼女に言い寄った。
He made advances to her.
In modern Japanese, the concept of 'courting' is often expressed with phrases like デートに誘う (ask out on a date) or 付き合う (go out with).
彼女をデートに誘った。
I asked her out on a date.
裁判所 is only for law courts. コート is for sports courts (and also coats). Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
裁判所でテニスをした。
I played tennis at the courthouse. (unnatural unless literally at a courthouse)
その競技場は広い。
The sports ground is large.
平安時代の朝廷は京都にあった。
The imperial court of the Heian period was in Kyoto.