Translation guide
The concept of a government position or role, typically one that is elected or appointed. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific terms depending on the type of office, and often involves the idea of 'public duty' or 'official position'.
To refer to a position in government that is obtained through election or appointment, such as mayor, governor, or member of parliament.
The most direct and common translation for 'public office' as a general concept. It refers to any public position or office in government.
彼は公職に就いている。
He holds public office.
公職選挙法が改正された。
The Public Offices Election Law was revised.
Refers specifically to a government post or bureaucratic office, often in the civil service. More formal and administrative than 公職.
彼は官職を辞した。
He resigned from public office.
Literally 'public position', used to describe a role in public service. Slightly less common than 公職 but still natural.
彼は公の役職に就くことを目指している。
He aims to hold public office.
To refer to the physical location or building where a public official works.
General term for a government office or public building, such as a city hall or ward office.
彼は役所で働いている。
He works at a public office.
住民票を取りに役所へ行った。
I went to the public office to get a certificate of residence.
Refers to a government agency or ministry building. More formal and often used for central government offices.
A formal term for a public office or government building, often used in legal contexts.
公署で手続きを行った。
I completed the procedure at the public office.
To refer to the period during which a person holds a public office.
Means 'term of office' or 'tenure'. Used for any official position.
彼の在任期間は4年です。
His term of public office is four years.
Specifically means 'term of office' or 'tenure', often used in political contexts.
To express the act of campaigning for or seeking election to a public office.
The standard phrase for 'to run for public office'.
彼は市長選に立候補する予定だ。
He plans to run for public office in the mayoral election.
A more casual way to say 'run for election', implying seeking public office.
彼は次の選挙に出るつもりだ。
He intends to run for public office in the next election.
公職 (こうしょく) is the broad term for any public office, including elected positions. 官職 (かんしょく) specifically refers to bureaucratic or civil service posts. Use 公職 when talking about politicians or general public roles, and 官職 for administrative government jobs.
Do not translate 'public office' as パブリックオフィス or 公共のオフィス. These sound unnatural. Use the terms provided above depending on context.
官庁街を歩いた。
I walked through the government office district.
The term of office has expired.