Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'major city' is most commonly expressed with 大都市 (daitoshi), but other terms like 主要都市 (shuyō toshi) and 大都会 (daitokai) are used depending on context, formality, and nuance. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
To refer to a major city in a neutral, factual way, often in news, reports, or everyday conversation.
The most common and neutral term for a major city. Used widely in both spoken and written Japanese.
東京は世界有数の大都市です。
Tokyo is one of the world's major cities.
大都市では交通渋滞が問題になっている。
Traffic congestion is a problem in major cities.
Means 'principal city' or 'key city.' Often used in economic or administrative contexts, like listing major cities of a country.
日本の主要都市には札幌、東京、大阪、福岡などがあります。
Major cities in Japan include Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Emphasizes the bustling, metropolitan nature of a big city. Often carries a nuance of excitement or overwhelming scale.
彼は大都会での生活に憧れている。
He longs for life in a major city.
To distinguish major cities from the countryside or smaller towns.
A common word for 'city' or 'urban area,' often used in contrast to 田舎 (inaka, countryside). It doesn't necessarily mean 'major,' but in context it implies a significant urban center.
都会と田舎では生活スタイルが違う。
Lifestyles differ between major cities and the countryside.
Refers to 'urban areas' collectively. Often used in statistics or formal discussions about urbanization.
When 'Major City' is part of a title or specific designation.
Used in official names like '政令指定都市' (government-designated major city) or '六大都市' (six major cities).
大阪市は政令指定都市です。
Osaka is a government-designated major city.
大都市 is the general term for a large city. 主要都市 emphasizes importance or centrality, often in lists. 大都会 highlights the bustling, metropolitan atmosphere and is more emotive.
The English phrase 'major city' is sometimes translated literally as メジャーシティ (mejā shiti), but this is not natural Japanese. Use 大都市 or other terms above.
The concentration of population in major cities is progressing.