Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'palace' depends on whose palace it is and the context. The most common general term is 宮殿 (きゅうでん), but for the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 皇居 (こうきょ) is used. When referring to a palace as part of a name, 宮 (きゅう) or 御所 (ごしょ) may appear.
Referring to a grand residence of a monarch, emperor, or high-ranking person in general.
The standard word for 'palace' in a general sense, such as European palaces or fictional ones.
Buckingham Palace is in London.
The palace was decorated with gold.
Often used in compound words or names of palaces, such as 離宮 (detached palace) or 王宮 (royal palace). Less common as a standalone word.
The detached palace was built in a quiet place.
Specifically referring to the residence of the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo.
The proper name for the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Use this when talking about the Emperor's residence.
The Imperial Palace is in the center of Tokyo.
Many people jog around the Imperial Palace.
When 'palace' appears in a proper name, like 'Kyoto Imperial Palace' or 'Heian Palace'.
Used in historical or traditional contexts, especially for imperial palaces in Kyoto, like 京都御所 (Kyoto Imperial Palace).
Kyoto Imperial Palace is where the emperor used to live.
Appears in many palace names, such as 平安宮 (Heian Palace) or 大宮 (Omiya Palace). Often used in historical contexts.
Referring to the palace of a king, queen, or emperor outside Japan.
宮殿 (きゅうでん) is the general term for any palace. 皇居 (こうきょ) is specifically the current Imperial Palace in Tokyo. 御所 (ごしょ) is used for historical imperial palaces, especially in Kyoto. Do not use 皇居 for Buckingham Palace or other foreign palaces; use 宮殿 or 王宮 instead.
The Imperial Palace is in Tokyo, but Buckingham Palace is in London.
The loanword パレス (paresu) exists but is mainly used in proper names like パレスホテル (Palace Hotel) or パレスサイド (Palaceside Building). It is not a natural translation for 'palace' in most contexts.
The palace was magnificent.
We visited the Imperial Palace.
The king lived in a beautiful palace.
Heian Palace was the political center of the Heian period.
その宮殿は王の住まいだった。
That palace was the king's residence.