首都
shuto[ɕɨ̥to̞]
The English word "capital" is translated into Japanese as 首都 (shuto).
The term 首都 is used to describe a chief city in a political sense, specifically the seat of a general government of a state or nation.
Meaning: chief (in a political sense, as being the seat of the general government of a state or nation) (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 首都 specifically refers to the political capital city of a nation, 都 can be used more broadly to refer to a large metropolis or a capital in a more literary or historical sense. Additionally, the term 国都 is used specifically to denote a capital city on a national level.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 資本 when referring to a political capital. 資本 refers specifically to financial capital or assets used in business.
Did you know?
- If you are discussing the capital of a prefecture rather than a country, you would more likely use the term 県庁所在地 (kencho shozaichi) instead of 首都.
- Because Japan's political center moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, you may encounter the term 遷都 (sento), which specifically means 'the moving of a capital'.
- The character 都 originally referred to a 'place where people gather' rather than a government seat, reflecting early urban development in Asia.
Examples in context
- 首都に住んでいます。I live in the capital.Tatoeba #9434679 by small_snow, translation #9419751 by abracadebby
- 北京は中国の首都だ。Beijing is the capital of China.Tatoeba #10007420 by Sim5634, translation #389049 by sysko
- 東京は日本の首都です。Tokyo is the capital of Japan.Tatoeba #124196 by small_snow, translation #279798 by CK
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a geography quiz.
- 大翔 Hiroto次の問題は首都の名前だよ。Tsugi no mondai wa shuto no namae da yo.The next question is about the name of the capital.
- 美咲 Misakiえっ、どの国の首都かな？E, dono kuni no shuto kana?Wait, which country's capital is it?
- 大翔 Hirotoフランスの首都だよ。Furansu no shuto da yo.It's the capital of France.
- 美咲 Misakiそれはパリだね！Sore wa Pari da ne!That's Paris!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 首都, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
