Translation guide
The English word "governor" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a political leader of a state/province, a mechanical speed-regulating device, and a senior official in an institution like a bank or school.
The elected or appointed head of a regional government, such as a U.S. state or Japanese prefecture.
Standard term for the governor of a Japanese prefecture. Also used for governors of foreign states/provinces.
The Governor of Tokyo is Yuriko Koike.
カリフォルニア州知事が来日した。
The Governor of California visited Japan.
Historical term for a governor-general or viceroy in colonial contexts. Not used for modern democratic governors.
インド総督は英国の代表だった。
The Governor-General of India was the British representative.
A device that automatically controls the speed of an engine or machine.
Technical term for a mechanical governor, such as the centrifugal governor on a steam engine.
蒸気機関には調速機が付いている。
The steam engine is equipped with a governor.
Loanword from English, commonly used in engineering contexts, especially for electronic or modern mechanical governors.
エンジンのガバナーが故障した。
The engine's governor malfunctioned.
A member of a governing board, such as in a bank, school, or hospital.
General term for a board member or director of an organization. Often used for 'governor' in contexts like the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve or a school governor.
彼は学校の理事を務めている。
He serves as a school governor.
FRBの理事が金利を決定する。
The governors of the Federal Reserve decide interest rates.
Specifically used for the governor of a central bank (e.g., Bank of Japan Governor). Not for school governors.
The English word 'governess' (a female private tutor) is 家庭教師 (かていきょうし) or ガヴァネス in Japanese. It is unrelated to 'governor'.
日銀総裁が会見を開いた。
The Bank of Japan governor held a press conference.