Translation guide
In English, "the Court" often refers to a judicial institution or a royal court. In Japanese, the translation depends on context: for legal settings, use 裁判所 (saibansho); for royal or imperial courts, use 宮廷 (kyūtei) or 朝廷 (chōtei). The definite article "the" is usually omitted in Japanese unless specifying a particular court.
Referring to a judicial body or the place where legal cases are heard.
General term for a court of law. Use this for most legal contexts.
Referring to the household and retinue of a monarch, or the place where a monarch resides and conducts official business.
Japanese does not have articles. Do not try to translate 'the' directly. Context usually makes it clear which court is meant. If necessary, use その (sono) for 'that' or specify the court's name.
裁判所はその判決を下した。
The court handed down its ruling.
彼は裁判所に出頭した。
He appeared in court.
Refers specifically to the courtroom itself, the physical space where proceedings occur.
法廷は静まり返った。
The courtroom fell silent.
Refers to a royal court, especially in a Western or modern context. Can also imply the social circle around a monarch.
彼は宮廷に仕えていた。
He served at the court.
Specifically refers to the imperial court of Japan, historically the political center before the shogunate. Use for historical Japanese contexts.
朝廷は京都にあった。
The imperial court was in Kyoto.
Refers to the imperial palace or residence, often used historically. Can imply the court by metonymy.
御所では儀式が行われた。
A ceremony was held at the court.