Translation guide
The English word 'parliament' refers to a national legislative body. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 国会 (kokkai), which specifically means the National Diet of Japan. Other terms exist for foreign parliaments or in historical contexts.
To refer to the national legislative body of Japan, or a generic national parliament.
The standard term for Japan's National Diet, and also used generically for national parliaments of other countries.
国会で新しい法律が可決された。
A new law was passed in the Diet.
国会議員は国民の代表です。
Members of parliament are representatives of the people.
A more general term for a legislative assembly, often used for local or foreign parliaments. Can also refer to the Diet in some contexts.
イギリスの議会は二院制です。
The British Parliament is bicameral.
To refer to the parliament of a specific country, especially those with the name 'Parliament'.
Used with the country name to specify a foreign parliament, e.g., イギリス議会 (British Parliament).
カナダ議会はオタワにあります。
The Canadian Parliament is in Ottawa.
Can also be used for foreign national legislatures, but 議会 is more common for specific foreign bodies.
To refer to historical assemblies like the English Parliament or similar bodies.
Used for historical parliaments, often with a modifier.
中世の議会は王権を制限した。
The medieval parliament limited the power of the king.
To refer to the physical building of a parliament.
Specifically the Diet Building in Tokyo. For foreign parliament buildings, use 議事堂 (ぎじどう) with the country name.
国会議事堂を見学しました。
I toured the Diet Building.
Generic term for a parliament or assembly building.
国会 (kokkai) specifically refers to the National Diet of Japan, while 議会 (gikai) is a broader term for any legislative assembly, including local councils and foreign parliaments. When referring to Japan's national legislature, always use 国会. For foreign parliaments, 議会 is more common, but 国会 is also acceptable.
イギリス国会は伝統があります。
The British Parliament has a long tradition.
イギリスの議事堂はテムズ川のそばにあります。
The Houses of Parliament are by the River Thames.