Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'voter' is most commonly expressed with 有権者 (ゆうけんしゃ), a formal term for someone who holds the right to vote. In everyday conversation, people often use 投票する人 (とうひょうするひと) or simply describe the action of voting. The choice depends on context: formal vs. casual, and whether you're referring to the electorate in general or an individual casting a ballot.
Referring to a voter in the context of elections, politics, or legal rights. This is the most common and neutral way to say 'voter'.
Standard term for a person who has the right to vote. Used in news, official documents, and formal contexts. Can refer to an individual or the electorate collectively.
Voters, let's go to the polls.
Voter interest is high in this election.
Literally 'person who votes'. A more casual, descriptive phrase. Suitable for everyday conversation when you want to avoid the formal 有権者.
There were few voters.
Refers specifically to an elector in an electoral college system (e.g., U.S. presidential elections). Not used for ordinary voters in direct elections.
In the U.S. presidential election, electors choose the president.
Focusing on the act of voting, often in a specific election or polling place. Emphasizes the person as a participant.
Literally 'voting person'. Commonly used in contexts like 'voter turnout' or when referring to people who actually cast ballots. Slightly more concrete than 有権者.
The number of voters exceeded the previous election.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'people who go to vote'. Natural in casual speech when talking about voter behavior.
Referring to voters as a group, often in political analysis or news. The focus is on the collective body rather than individuals.
Also used for the collective electorate. Can be pluralized with たち or used with counters like 層 (そう) for demographic groups.
Young voters have a low turnout rate.
A somewhat dated or formal term for the electorate, often used in political science or historical contexts. Less common in everyday language.
有権者 (ゆうけんしゃ) is the most formal and refers to anyone with the right to vote, whether they actually vote or not. 投票者 (とうひょうしゃ) emphasizes the act of voting and is often used in statistics like voter turnout. 投票する人 (とうひょうするひと) is a casual, descriptive phrase used in everyday speech. For most situations, 有権者 is the safest choice when translating 'voter' as a noun.
Do not directly translate 'voter' as 投票家 (とうひょうか) or 投票人 (とうひょうにん). These are not standard Japanese and will sound unnatural. Stick to the options provided.
Many voters are still undecided.
Voter turnout was low.
In Japanese, 'voter turnout' is expressed as 投票率 (とうひょうりつ), not a phrase with 'voter'.
投票者は入口で名前を書いてください。
Voters, please write your name at the entrance.
On rainy days, fewer voters turn out.
The will of the voters should be respected.