Translation guide
Describes something belonging to or associated with a Japanese prefecture (県, 府, 道, 都). The most common and neutral translation is 県立 (kenritsu) for prefectural institutions, but other forms exist depending on the type of prefecture and context.
Describing a public facility run by a prefectural government.
Prefix meaning 'prefectural' for institutions like schools, hospitals, libraries, museums. Used specifically for 県 (ken) type prefectures. For 府 (fu), 道 (dō), or 都 (to), use 府立 (furitsu), 道立 (dōritsu), or 都立 (toritsu) respectively.
I went to the prefectural library.
He is a student at a prefectural high school.
Used for prefectural institutions in Osaka or Kyoto (府). Same pattern as 県立.
Used for prefectural institutions in Tokyo (都).
Describing something as belonging to or related to a prefecture in a broad sense.
Simple possessive phrase meaning 'of the prefecture'. Can be used for various nouns. For 府, 道, 都, use 府の, 道の, 都の.
The prefectural budget was cut.
I work as a prefectural employee.
Means 'prefectural management/operation', used for housing, transportation, etc. run by the prefecture.
Refers to the residents/citizens of a prefecture. Often used in phrases like 'prefectural citizen's day'.
Referring to the prefectural government body or its functions.
県立 is a prefix used specifically for institutions established and run by the prefecture (schools, hospitals, etc.). 県の is a general possessive meaning 'of the prefecture' and can be used more broadly (budget, employees, etc.).
県立大学 (prefectural university) vs. 県の大学 (a university in the prefecture, not necessarily run by it)
Japan has four types of prefectures: 県 (ken), 府 (fu, Osaka/Kyoto), 道 (dō, Hokkaido), and 都 (to, Tokyo). When using 県立, 府立, etc., make sure to use the correct form for the specific prefecture. If unsure or speaking generally, 県立 is often understood as a generic term, but in formal contexts, the correct form is expected.
The prefectural hospital is near the station.
We had a picnic in a prefectural park.
県営住宅に住んでいます。
I live in prefectural housing.
県民の日は休みですか？
Is Prefectural Citizen's Day a holiday?
県政の課題について話し合った。
We discussed prefectural government issues.