Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'police station' is most commonly expressed by 警察署 (keisatsusho) for a main police station, or 交番 (kōban) for a small neighborhood police box. The choice depends on the size and function of the facility.
Referring to a central or major police station where administrative work, investigations, and detentions occur.
The standard term for a police station. Used for the main station in a city or district.
最寄りの警察署はどこですか？
Where is the nearest police station?
彼は警察署で働いています。
He works at a police station.
Can mean 'police' in general, but in context can refer to a police station, especially in casual speech. Often used with 行く (to go to the police).
警察に行って届け出をした。
I went to the police station and filed a report.
Specifically the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department headquarters. Not a general term.
警視庁は東京の警察本部です。
The Metropolitan Police Department is the police headquarters of Tokyo.
Referring to a small local police substation or police box found in neighborhoods, often staffed by a few officers.
A small police box or substation. Unique to Japan, these are common in residential areas and near train stations. Officers provide local security and directions.
交番で道を聞きました。
I asked for directions at the police box.
あの交番にはいつも警官がいます。
There is always a police officer at that police box.
A residential police substation in rural areas, where an officer lives with their family. Less common in cities.
Referring to the main administrative center of a police force, often at the prefectural level.
Prefectural police headquarters. Each prefecture has one. Larger than a regular police station.
事件の詳細は警察本部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the police headquarters for details of the case.
The National Police Agency, a government body overseeing the police system. Not a physical station but an administrative organ.
警察庁は国家公安委員会の管理下にある。
The National Police Agency is under the jurisdiction of the National Public Safety Commission.
警察署 is a full police station with many departments, while 交番 is a small local police box with one or two officers. Use 警察署 for reporting crimes or major procedures, and 交番 for directions or minor issues.
In casual conversation, 警察 (keisatsu) can mean 'police station' when combined with verbs like 行く (to go) or 届ける (to report). However, it literally means 'police' as an organization, so context is key.
田舎では駐在所が交番の代わりです。
In the countryside, a residential police substation serves as a police box.