議院
Meanings
1
Refers to a national legislative body as a whole. In Japan, 国会 is more common for the Diet, but 議院 is used in formal contexts and compound terms.
The role of parliament is to enact laws.
2
Refers to one of the houses within a bicameral legislature, such as the House of Representatives or the House of Councillors.
Japan's parliament consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
Usage patterns
- 議院で〈事〉を審議するto deliberate on a matter in the house/chamber
The new bill was deliberated in the chamber.
- 議院の議長を務めるto serve as the Speaker of the house
He serves as the President of the House of Councillors.
- 両議院で〈事〉が可決されるto be passed by both houses
The bill was passed by both houses.