Translation guide
The English word 'official' can refer to a person in a position of authority, something formally authorized, or an announcement that is confirmed. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a person who holds a position of authority in an organization or government.
General term for a government official or bureaucrat. Neutral and widely used.
彼は政府の役人です。
He is a government official.
Staff member or official within an organization, such as a school or company. Broader than 役人.
市役所の職員に聞いてください。
Please ask a city hall official.
Person in charge or responsible official for a specific matter. Common in business contexts.
担当者をお呼びします。
I'll call the person in charge.
High-ranking government official or bureaucrat, often with a nuance of elite career officials. Can carry a slightly negative connotation of bureaucracy.
官僚の決定に批判が集まった。
Criticism focused on the bureaucrats' decision.
Describing something that is formally recognized, authorized, or sanctioned by an authority.
Official, formal, or authorized. Used for statements, announcements, websites, etc.
公式発表をお待ちください。
Please wait for the official announcement.
公式サイトで確認できます。
You can check it on the official website.
Officially recognized or certified, often used for records, qualifications, or authorized products.
Formal, official, proper. Emphasizes adherence to proper procedure or formality.
Referring to information that has been officially confirmed or released.
Official announcement. The standard phrase for formally released information.
公式発表は明日です。
The official announcement is tomorrow.
Formal announcement, similar to 公式発表 but emphasizes formality.
正式発表を待っています。
We are waiting for the official announcement.
公式 (こうしき) means 'official' in the sense of being publicly authorized or recognized by an organization. 正式 (せいしき) means 'formal' or 'proper', emphasizing correct procedure. For 'official website', use 公式サイト, not 正式サイト.
The loanword オフィシャル is sometimes used for 'official' as an adjective (e.g., オフィシャルサイト), but it is not used to refer to a person in authority. Use 役人 or 職員 instead.
これは公認記録です。
This is an official record.
正式な書類が必要です。
Official documents are required.