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.
national referendum
local referendum
To refer to a nationwide vote on a constitutional amendment or important national issue.
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.
A local referendum was held on the merger of the cities.
To describe the act of holding or calling for a referendum.
Means 'to hold a national referendum'. A common verb phrase.
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'.
Means 'to put (an issue) to a national referendum'. かける here means 'to submit to'.
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.
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.
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.
This issue should be put to a referendum.
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.
A local referendum will be conducted based on the ordinance.
The prime minister stated clearly that he would put the constitutional amendment to a referendum.