Translation guide
For the country, use イギリス (Igirisu) in most contexts. 英国 (Eikoku) is more formal/literary. For the island of Great Britain, use グレートブリテン島 (Gurēto Buriten-tō).
Referring to the United Kingdom as a nation
The most common and neutral term for the United Kingdom. Used in everyday conversation, news, and official contexts.
イギリスに行ったことがありますか。
Have you ever been to Britain?
イギリスはEUを離脱した。
Britain left the EU.
Formal/literary term, often used in written language, official names, or compound words. Can sound stiff in casual speech.
英国政府は新たな政策を発表した。
The British government announced a new policy.
Literal translation of 'United Kingdom'. Rarely used outside very formal or explanatory contexts.
グレートブリテン及び北アイルランド連合王国
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Referring specifically to the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales
The standard geographical term for the island of Great Britain.
グレートブリテン島はヨーロッパ最大の島です。
The island of Great Britain is the largest island in Europe.
Shorter form, sometimes used in historical or geographical contexts.
ローマ帝国はブリテン島を征服した。
The Roman Empire conquered the island of Britain.
Referring to a person or people from Britain
Standard term for a British person. Use 人 (じん) suffix.
彼はイギリス人です。
He is British.
More formal/literary term for a British person.
Describing something as British
Use の to make the noun イギリス into an adjective. Most common way to say 'British'.
イギリスの文化に興味があります。
I'm interested in British culture.
Formal/literary adjective form, often used in compound nouns.
英国式の庭園
an English-style garden
Abbreviation used in compounds like 英文学 (English literature) or 英会話 (English conversation). Note: often refers specifically to England/English, not the whole UK.
英文学を専攻しています。
I'm majoring in English literature.
In Japanese, イギリス usually refers to the United Kingdom as a whole, not just England. However, イギリス is sometimes used loosely to mean England, especially in contexts like language (イギリス英語 = British English, often meaning English English). To be precise about England, use イングランド. For the English language, 英語 (えいご) is standard.
イングランドはイギリスの一部です。
England is part of Britain.
イギリス is the everyday term; 英国 is more formal and often used in official names (英国大使館 = British Embassy). In casual conversation, イギリス is preferred.
Many British people opposed Brexit.