Translation guide
The head of government in a parliamentary system. In Japanese, the term is 首相 (しゅしょう) or 総理大臣 (そうりだいじん), with the latter being the official title. Usage depends on formality and context.
Referring to the prime minister of Japan or another country.
The most common and general term for 'prime minister'. Used in news, conversation, and formal contexts.
Who is the prime minister of Japan?
The prime minister held a press conference.
The official, full title of the Japanese prime minister. Often shortened to 総理 (そうり) in speech. More formal than 首相.
Shinzo Abe was the 90th Prime Minister of Japan.
Common abbreviation of 総理大臣. Used in media and conversation, slightly less formal than the full title.
The prime minister announced his resignation.
How to address or refer to the prime minister in person or in writing.
When addressing the prime minister directly, use 総理大臣 (or 総理) followed by さん (polite) or さま (very formal). In extremely formal situations, 総理大臣閣下 (そうりだいじんかっか) may be used.
Prime Minister, thank you for your time.
Prime Minister, welcome. (very formal)
In news or third-person reference, the format [surname] + 総理 is common. E.g., 岸田総理 (Kishida Prime Minister).
Prime Minister Kishida visited the United States yesterday.
首相 is the general term and can refer to any country's prime minister. 総理大臣 is the official Japanese title and is more formal. 総理 is a common abbreviation used in media and conversation. In news, 首相 is most frequent, but 総理大臣 is used in official contexts. When referring to foreign prime ministers, 首相 is standard.
The British prime minister resigned.
総理、その政策についてどうお考えですか？
Prime Minister, what are your thoughts on that policy?