Translation guide
The process of seeking input from the public on policies, projects, or decisions. Japanese expressions vary by formality, scale, and whether it's a government process or a general gathering of opinions.
A structured, often legally required, period for the public to submit opinions on a proposed plan or policy.
The standard term for a formal public comment period, especially for government agencies. Often abbreviated as パブコメ.
We will conduct a public consultation on this draft ordinance.
A more Japanese equivalent of 'public comment', literally 'solicitation of opinions'. Used in official documents.
We published the results of the public consultation.
Literally 'to listen to the opinions of the people'. Used in political contexts, but less specific than パブリックコメント.
The government set up a forum to hear public opinion.
Seeking input from stakeholders or the community in a less formal, often meeting-based setting.
A meeting for exchanging opinions. Common for community consultations or stakeholder meetings.
We will hold a public consultation meeting with residents.
An explanatory meeting where the organizer presents a plan and then takes questions or opinions. Often used for construction projects.
From English 'hearing'. Often used for targeted consultations with experts or specific groups, not necessarily open to the general public.
A formal event where officials listen to public testimony, often recorded and part of a decision-making process.
A formal public hearing, often held by government committees. Similar to a US congressional hearing.
A public hearing was held in the Diet.
A town hall meeting, often used by politicians to interact directly with citizens. Less formal than 公聴会.
The mayor listened to citizens' voices at a town hall meeting.
Providing advice or a forum for discussion, often in a business or professional context.
General word for consultation or seeking advice. Can be used for public consultation if the nuance is about providing a place for discussion.
We have set up a public consultation desk.
Direct loanword from English. Used in business or academic contexts, but less common than 相談.
We provide consultation by experts.
Both refer to formal public comment procedures. パブリックコメント is more common in everyday administrative language, while 意見公募 appears in legal texts and official names of procedures.
The public comment procedure is simple.
Establish guidelines for soliciting public opinions.
The direct translation '公の相談' is not used and sounds unnatural. Use the specific terms above depending on the context.
public consultation (incorrect)
A public consultation on the new station construction was held.
有識者ヒアリングを行った。
We conducted a consultation with experts.