Translation guide
The English word 'vote' can refer to the act of casting a ballot, expressing a choice, or the right to do so. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 投票 (tōhyō), but depending on context, other expressions like 票 (hyō) for 'ballot' or 'vote count', or 選挙 (senkyo) for 'election', may be more natural. This guide covers how to express 'vote' in various situations.
I voted.
Every vote counts.
To express one's choice in an election or decision by casting a ballot or raising a hand.
The standard verb for 'to vote'. Used for elections, polls, and formal decision-making.
I will go to vote tomorrow.
He voted against the proposal.
Literally 'to put in a ballot'. A more concrete way to say 'cast a vote', often used in the context of physically placing a ballot in a box.
I cast my vote into the ballot box.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'to cast a vote'. Often used in speeches or news reports.
Referring to an individual's vote or the act of voting as a countable thing.
The most common noun for 'vote' as a countable unit, like 'a vote' or 'votes'. Used in counting and results.
The legal right or privilege to participate in elections.
Referring to the event where voting takes place, often translated as 'election' but closely related to 'vote'.
The general word for 'election'. Often used in phrases like 'go to the polls' or 'election day'.
An informal vote or survey to gauge opinion, not a binding election.
Expressing a vote by a show of hands or vocal response, common in meetings.
To take a vote by a show of hands. '決を採る' means 'to take a vote/decision'.
投票 (tōhyō) refers specifically to the act of voting or a ballot, while 選挙 (senkyo) means 'election' as an event. You go to a 選挙 to cast your 投票. In casual speech, 選挙に行く (go to the election) is often used to mean 'go to vote'.
Go to the election and vote.
The English word 'vote' is sometimes mistakenly rendered as ボート (bōto), but that means 'boat'. The correct loanword for 'vote' is not commonly used; stick with 投票 or 票.
I'm going to vote in the election tomorrow.
He cast his vote for the presidential candidate.
彼は100票差で勝った。
He won by a margin of 100 votes.
The bill received a majority of votes in favor.
Can also be used as a noun meaning 'voting' or 'a vote' in a more abstract sense, like 'the vote' as an event or process.
The vote will close at 8 p.m.
Literally 'one vote'. Used to emphasize the value of a single vote, often in phrases like 'every vote counts'.
I feel the weight of a single vote.
The standard term for 'suffrage' or 'right to vote'.
Citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote.
A broader term for 'political rights', including the right to vote and stand for office. More formal.
The women's suffrage movement has a long history.
The next election is next year.
Go to vote (lit. go to the election).
Loanword from French 'enquête', used for questionnaires, surveys, and informal polls.
Please answer the poll/survey.
Public opinion poll, often used in news contexts.
According to the latest opinion poll, the approval rating has dropped.
Popularity contest or poll, like voting for a favorite idol or character.
This character got first place in the popularity poll.
The chairperson took a vote by a show of hands.
To decide by voice vote (e.g., 'aye' vs 'nay').
The motion was passed by a voice vote.
When talking about vote counts or margins, 票 (hyō) is the most natural. For example, 'He got 50 votes' is 彼は50票を得た, not 彼は50投票を得た.
The motion was passed by a vote of 10 to 5.