Translation guide
A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or issue. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 国民投票 (kokumin tōhyō) for national referendums, or 住民投票 (jūmin tōhyō) for local ones. The loanword レファレンダム (referendamu) is also used, especially in formal or academic contexts.
To refer to a nationwide vote on a constitutional amendment or important national issue.
The standard term for a national referendum. Used in legal and news contexts.
憲法改正には国民投票が必要です。
A national referendum is required to amend the constitution.
国民投票の結果、賛成が過半数を占めた。
As a result of the referendum, the 'yes' votes gained a majority.
Loanword from English. Used in academic or formal writing, but less common in everyday speech than 国民投票.
この問題はレファレンダムにかけられるべきだ。
This issue should be put to a referendum.
To refer to a vote by residents of a specific municipality or region on a local issue.
The standard term for a local referendum. Often used for issues like mergers, nuclear power plants, or large construction projects.
市の合併について住民投票が行われた。
A local referendum was held on the merger of the cities.
住民投票で原発再稼働の賛否を問う。
The local referendum will ask for approval or disapproval of restarting the nuclear plant.
To describe the act of holding or calling for a referendum.
Means 'to hold a national referendum'. A common verb phrase.
政府は来年、国民投票を行う予定だ。
The government plans to hold a referendum next year.
A more formal way to say 'to conduct a local referendum'. 実施する (jisshi suru) means 'to implement/carry out'.
条例に基づき住民投票を実施する。
A local referendum will be conducted based on the ordinance.
Means 'to put (an issue) to a national referendum'. かける here means 'to submit to'.
首相は憲法改正案を国民投票にかけると明言した。
The prime minister stated clearly that he would put the constitutional amendment to a referendum.
国民投票 (kokumin tōhyō) is used for national-level votes, typically on constitutional amendments. 住民投票 (jūmin tōhyō) is for local issues, such as city mergers or facility construction. Using the wrong term can cause confusion about the scope of the vote.
国民投票は国全体で行われるが、住民投票は特定の地域で行われる。
A national referendum is held nationwide, while a local referendum is held in a specific area.
The loanword レファレンダム (referendamu) is understood but sounds academic. In news or daily conversation, 国民投票 or 住民投票 is preferred. Use レファレンダム when discussing the concept in a comparative or theoretical context.