Translation guide
Refers to a group of diplomats representing their country abroad, or the building they work in. In Japanese, the specific term depends on the type and rank of the mission.
The main diplomatic office of one country in the capital of another, headed by an ambassador.
The standard word for an embassy. Used for the building and the institution.
在日アメリカ大使館は東京にあります。
The U.S. Embassy in Japan is in Tokyo.
A diplomatic office that handles visas, citizen services, etc., usually in a major city other than the capital. Headed by a consul.
The standard word for a consulate. Often found in cities like Osaka, New York, etc.
大阪のアメリカ領事館でビザを申請しました。
I applied for a visa at the U.S. Consulate in Osaka.
A broad term covering embassies, consulates, and other representative offices.
A formal, collective term for all diplomatic missions abroad. Used in official contexts.
日本の在外公館は世界中にあります。
Japan's diplomatic missions are located all over the world.
A diplomatic office representing a country to an international body like the UN.
Used for missions to international organizations (e.g., UN, EU). Often combined with the organization name.
国連日本政府代表部はニューヨークにあります。
The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations is in New York.
大使館 is the main diplomatic office in the capital, headed by an ambassador. 領事館 is a branch office in other cities, headed by a consul, focusing on citizen services and visas.
Refers specifically to the group of diplomats sent on a mission, rather than the office itself. More about the people.
外交使節団が大統領と会談した。
The diplomatic mission met with the president.