Translation and Meaning of: 県庁 - kenchou

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 県庁 (けんちょう). It is a common term in the administrative daily life of Japan, but it can raise questions about its exact meaning, origin, and how to use it correctly. In this article, we will explore everything about this word, from its translation to its cultural context and tips for memorization.

Kencho is one of those words that frequently appears in news, official documents, and even in conversations about local politics in Japan. If you want to understand how it is used in daily life or simply wish to expand your vocabulary in Japanese, this guide will help you master this term in a practical and straightforward way.

県庁 (けんちょう) significa "prefectura" ou "governo da prefectura" em inglês.

県庁 is a compound word made up of two kanji: 県 (ken), which means "prefecture," and 庁 (chou), which can be translated as "agency" or "government office." Together, they form the term that designates the seat of government of a prefecture in Japan. In English, we can translate it as "government building of the prefecture" or simply "prefectural office."

It is worth mentioning that Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, each with its own 県庁 (kenchō). These places are important administrative centers where political decisions are made, official documents are issued, and public services are organized for the residents of the area. If you have ever visited cities like Tokyo or Osaka, you probably passed by these imposing buildings without knowing.

How and when to use 県庁 in everyday Japanese

県庁 is a formal word commonly used in administrative contexts, news, or when discussing the governmental structure of Japan. For example, if you need to renew your visa or resolve bureaucratic issues, you may need to go to the 県庁 of your prefecture. Phrases like "I need to go to the 県庁 tomorrow" (明日県庁に行かなければならない) are common in these scenarios.

Although it is a technical term, it also appears in everyday conversations when discussing local politics or public services. A Japanese person might say "The 県庁 announced a new project for the city" (県庁が新しい都市計画を発表した), showing how the word is present even outside of the bureaucratic environment. Its use is more frequent in adult discussions than in informal conversations among young people.

Curiosities and tips to memorize 県庁

An effective way to memorize 県庁 is to associate the kanjis that compose it with concrete images. The character 県 (ken) represents a prefecture, while 庁 (chou) shows a roof (广) over the symbol 丁, which refers to official structures. Visualizing a government building with a large roof can help solidify the meaning.

In Japan, the headquarters of the prefectures are often iconic buildings, frequently located in central areas of the cities. Tokyo, for example, has the 都庁 (tochou), which follows the same logic but uses a different kanji since it is a metropolis. This difference is important for those who want to understand the Japanese administrative division in more depth.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

府庁 (fuchou) - City hall of a metropolitan or large city.
県役所 (ken'yakusho) - Provincial government office, usually the place where administrative matters of the province are handled.
県庁舎 (kenchousha) - Provincial administration building, where the provincial government is located.