Translation guide
Describes something related to a large city or its surrounding area. In Japanese, this is often expressed with 大都市 (metropolis) or 都会 (urban area), but the exact translation depends on context.
Describing something as characteristic of or belonging to a big city (e.g., lifestyle, atmosphere, area).
Used to modify nouns, meaning 'of a metropolis' or 'metropolitan'. Common in formal and written contexts.
Metropolitan life is convenient, but the cost of living is high.
Means 'urban' or 'city' as opposed to rural. Often used for atmosphere or lifestyle. Slightly more casual than 大都市.
He longs for a metropolitan lifestyle.
General term for 'city' or 'urban'. Can be used in many contexts, but less specific than 'metropolitan'.
The metropolitan transportation network is well-developed.
Referring to the geographical region comprising a large city and its suburbs.
Standard term for 'metropolitan area'. Used in geography, planning, and news.
The population of the Tokyo metropolitan area is about 37 million.
Specifically means 'capital region' or 'metropolitan area around the capital'. Often used for Tokyo area.
General term for 'urban area' or 'city region'. Less common than 大都市圏 for 'metropolitan'.
Referring to the governing body of a major city, especially Tokyo.
Referring to the police force of a major city, especially Tokyo.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. This is a proper noun and the standard translation.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the case.
English 'metropolitan' is an adjective, but Japanese often uses noun phrases like 大都市の or 都会の. Avoid literal translations like メトロポリタン, which is rarely used outside proper names.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
首都圏の鉄道網は非常に複雑だ。
The metropolitan railway network is extremely complex.
この都市圏には多くの衛星都市がある。
This metropolitan area has many satellite cities.
The metropolitan government office is in Shinjuku.