How to Say "Student Council" in Japanese

生徒会

seitokai[se̞ːto̞ka̠i]

The English phrase "student council" is translated into Japanese as 生徒会 (seitokai).

生徒会 refers to a group of students elected to represent their peers and organize activities within a school.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In some regions, the term 学生自治会 is used instead of 学生会 to emphasize student self-governance.

seitokai

The 生徒会 is a staple trope in anime and manga, often depicted as an all-powerful organization with more authority than the teachers.
The word 生徒 (seito) is composed of characters that literally translate to 'one who follows/obeys the teachings'.
The title for the head of the council, 生徒会長 (seitokaichou), uses the suffix 会長 (kaichou), which is the same formal title used for the president of a major corporation or a large association.

校門では生徒会が文化祭の飾りつけをしていた。
The student council was putting up decorations for the school festival by the school gate.
This sentence shows the use of 生徒会 in the context of preparing for a school festival.
Tatoeba #11006116 by bunbuku, translation #12428842 by pip
生徒会会長の選出にあたり、１組はトムを２組はメアリーを推した。
At the student council president election, the nominations were Tom for class 1, and Mary for class 2.
This sentence demonstrates the use of 生徒会 regarding the election of a president.
Tatoeba #9414607 by small_snow, translation #10181975 by tsp_2
学生会のメンバーは、多くの学生の代表として学校での意思決定に参加します。
The members of the Student Council participate in the decision-making process at school as representatives of the students.
生徒会の役員になると、学校内での様々な活動やイベントを企画することができます。
By becoming an officer of the Student Council, you can plan various activities and events within the school.
生徒会に入りたいと思っています。
Seitokai ni hairitai to omotte imasu.
I am thinking about joining the student council.

Yui and Ren are talking after class about school activities.

結衣 Yui

蓮君は生徒会の仕事で忙しいの？
Ren-kun wa seitokai no shigoto de isogashii no?
Are you busy with student council work, Ren?
蓮 Ren

うん、来週のイベントの準備があるんだ。
Un, raishuu no ibento no junbi ga arun da.
Yeah, I have preparations for next week's event.
結衣 Yui

すごいね。お手伝いしましょうか？
Sugoi ne. Otetsudai shimashou ka?
That's impressive. Shall I help you?
蓮 Ren

ありがとう、結衣。助かるよ。
Arigato, Yui. Tasukaru yo.
Thanks, Yui. That would be a big help.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏