Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “police box” in Japanese! In this article, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this term. While the formal term is used more commonly, we’ll also explore regional variations, if applicable. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “Police Box”: 警察署 (keisatsusho)
In Japanese, the most common formal term for “police box” is 警察署 (keisatsusho). This term is widely understood across Japan and can be used in formal conversations, official documents, or when speaking to the police.
Here’s an example sentence:
警察署に行って、事件の報告書を提出しました。
(Keisatsusho ni itte, jiken no hōkokusho o teishutsu shimashita.)
I went to the police box and submitted a report on the incident.
It’s important to note that “keisatsusho” refers to a larger police station, which may consist of multiple buildings or facilities. These stations usually have more resources and personnel compared to smaller police boxes.
Informal Ways to Say “Police Box”
While using the formal term is generally recommended, there are a few informal ways to refer to a police box in Japanese. These terms might be more suitable in casual conversations or when interacting with friends:
Informal Way 1: 交番 (kōban)
The word 交番 (kōban) is often used to describe a small police box or a police substation with limited personnel. It is the most common and widely understood informal term for “police box” in Japan.
Consider the following example:
近くの交番に行って、忘れ物の問い合わせをした。
(Chikaku no kōban ni itte, wasuremono no toiawase o shita.)
I went to the nearby police box and inquired about the lost item.
Informal Way 2: ポリスボックス (porisu bokkusu)
Another way to informally refer to a “police box” in Japanese is to use the English loanword “ポリスボックス” (porisu bokkusu). It’s worth noting that this term is not as commonly used as “kōban” but might be familiar to younger generations or those influenced by Western culture.
Example usage:
町の角にポリスボックスがある。
(Machi no kado ni porisu bokkusu ga aru.)
There is a police box at the corner of the town.
Regional Variations
While the terms discussed above are widely used across Japan, it’s important to note that some regions may have their own variations for “police box.” These variations might reflect local dialects or historic preferences.
For example, in certain areas, especially in Kansai region (including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe), you might come across the term 駐在所 (chūzaisho), which is used to refer to a police box or a local police station.
Here’s an example:
駅の近くに駐在所があります。
(Eki no chikaku ni chūzaisho ga arimasu.)
There is a police box near the station.
While these regional variations exist, they are not as common as the previously mentioned terms and might not be widely understood outside of their respective regions.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations on mastering the various ways to say “police box” in Japanese. You’ve learned the formal term “警察署” (keisatsusho) and informal terms such as “交番” (kōban) and “ポリスボックス” (porisu bokkusu). Remember to use the appropriate form based on the context and the level of formality required.
Whether you’re visiting Japan, studying the language or simply interested in Japanese culture, knowing these terms will come in handy when discussing matters related to law enforcement. Stay safe and enjoy your journey through the fascinating world of Japanese language and culture!
