Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for a member of parliament depends on the legislative body. The most common and general term is 国会議員, referring to a member of the National Diet. More specific terms exist for the House of Representatives and House of Councillors.
To refer to a member of Japan's national legislature in a general sense.
This is the standard, neutral term for any member of the National Diet (Japan's parliament). It is widely understood and used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼は国会議員です。
He is a member of parliament.
国会議員の給料は高い。
The salary of a member of parliament is high.
To specify a member of the more powerful lower house of the Japanese Diet.
This term specifically refers to a member of the House of Representatives. It is used in political contexts and news reports.
彼女は衆議院議員に当選した。
She was elected as a member of the House of Representatives.
To specify a member of the upper house of the Japanese Diet.
This term specifically refers to a member of the House of Councillors. It is used in political contexts and news reports.
参議院議員の任期は6年です。
The term of a member of the House of Councillors is six years.
To refer to a member of parliament in a shorter, more casual way, often in conversation or headlines.
This is a shorter form meaning 'legislator' or 'assembly member'. It can refer to members of the Diet or local assemblies, but context usually clarifies. It is common in news headlines and casual speech.
あの議員は汚職で辞任した。
That member of parliament resigned due to corruption.
To refer to a member of a parliament outside Japan, such as the UK or Canada.
The same term 国会議員 is used for foreign parliaments as well. To specify the country, add the country name before it.
イギリスの国会議員
a British member of parliament
カナダの国会議員が来日した。
A Canadian member of parliament visited Japan.
For countries with a lower house called the House of Commons or House of Representatives, 下院議員 (lower house member) is used. Often combined with the country name.
イギリスの下院議員
a member of the UK House of Commons