Translation guide
The English word 'police' refers to the organization or its officers. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 警察 (keisatsu) for the institution, and 警察官 (keisatsukan) or お巡りさん (omawarisan) for individual officers. Usage depends on formality and context.
Referring to the police force, department, or institution in general.
The standard, neutral term for the police as an organization. Used in all contexts.
Please call the police.
Referring to one or more police officers as people.
Informal or slang reference to the police as a group, similar to 'the cops'.
Slang term for the police, derived from 警察. Can be derogatory or very casual. Use with caution.
Avoid in polite or formal situations; can sound rude.
Expressing the action of contacting the police in an emergency.
Standard phrase for 'call the police'. Use 通報する for reporting an incident.
Referring to the physical building or local police office.
警察 refers to the institution, while 警察官 and お巡りさん refer to individual officers. 警察官 is formal, お巡りさん is friendly and colloquial. 警官 is a common abbreviation of 警察官.
In English, 'police' can mean officers (e.g., 'The police are here'). In Japanese, 警察 usually means the organization. To refer to officers, use 警察官 or 警官.
I'll call the police!
The police have arrived.
Formal term for a police officer. Used in official contexts or when specifying the profession.
Let's ask that police officer for directions.
Friendly, colloquial term for a police officer, especially a patrol officer. Often used by children or in casual speech.
Officer, help!
Common abbreviation of 警察官. Slightly less formal but widely used in news and conversation.
A police officer is patrolling.
サツが来た！
The cops are here!
Call the police right away!
Refers to dialing 110, the emergency number for police in Japan. Equivalent to 'call 911'.
If there's an incident, please call 110.
Standard term for a police station. Larger than a 交番 (kōban).
Where is the nearest police station?
Small neighborhood police box or substation. Unique to Japan; officers there handle local matters.
I asked for directions at the police box.
He wants to become a police officer.