Translation guide
In Japan, a prefecture (県, 府, 都, 道) is a major administrative division similar to a state or province. The most common word is 県 (ken), but there are specific terms for certain prefectures. This guide explains how to refer to prefectures naturally in Japanese.
The learner wants to say 'prefecture' as a general concept, e.g., 'I live in a prefecture near Tokyo.'
The standard word for 'prefecture' in most cases. Use this when referring to any of the 43 regular prefectures.
私は千葉県に住んでいます。
I live in Chiba Prefecture.
この県は農業が盛んです。
This prefecture is thriving in agriculture.
A collective term meaning 'prefectures' (literally 'Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka/Kyoto, and other prefectures'). Used in formal or statistical contexts when referring to all 47 prefectures.
都道府県別の人口統計
population statistics by prefecture
The learner wants to refer to Tokyo as a prefecture-level entity.
Tokyo is a 'metropolis' (都). Always use 東京都 when referring to the prefecture, not 東京県.
東京都は日本の首都です。
Tokyo Metropolis is the capital of Japan.
Short for 東京都, used in compounds or when context is clear.
都内の学校
schools within Tokyo
The learner wants to refer to Hokkaido as a prefecture-level entity.
The learner wants to refer to Osaka or Kyoto as a prefecture-level entity.
Osaka is an 'urban prefecture' (府). Use 大阪府, not 大阪県.
大阪府は関西地方にあります。
Osaka Prefecture is in the Kansai region.
Kyoto is also an 'urban prefecture' (府). Use 京都府, not 京都県.
The learner wants to state their home prefecture naturally.
The most natural way to say you are from a prefecture. Use the full prefecture name (e.g., 千葉県, 東京都).
私は千葉県出身です。
I'm from Chiba Prefecture.
出身は大阪府です。
My hometown is Osaka Prefecture.
A more casual way to say you came from a prefecture.
北海道から来ました。
I came from Hokkaido.
The learner wants to ask someone which prefecture they are from or referring to.
Standard way to ask 'Which prefecture?' when you expect the answer to be a regular 県. Can be used generally.
出身は何県ですか？
Which prefecture are you from?
More formal and inclusive, covering all types of prefectures. Suitable for surveys or polite conversation.
お住まいはどちらの都道府県ですか？
Which prefecture do you reside in?
Saying 東京県 or 大阪県 is incorrect. Each has its own suffix: 東京都 (と), 大阪府 (ふ), 京都府 (ふ), 北海道 (どう). When in doubt, use the full name as it appears on maps.
✕ 東京県 ○ 東京都
Incorrect: Tokyo-ken. Correct: Tokyo-to.
When the context is clear, Japanese speakers often omit the prefecture suffix. For example, 'I'm from Chiba' can be just 千葉出身です (ちばしゅっしんです) without 県. However, in formal writing or when ambiguity is possible, include the suffix.
There are many temples in Kyoto Prefecture.