Translation guide
The Meiji Constitution was the constitution of the Empire of Japan from 1890 to 1947. This guide covers how to refer to it in Japanese.
Referring to the constitution by its formal title
Official name of the Meiji Constitution, meaning 'Constitution of the Empire of Great Japan'. Used in formal and historical contexts.
大日本帝国憲法は1889年に発布された。
The Constitution of the Empire of Japan was promulgated in 1889.
Common abbreviated name meaning 'Meiji Constitution'. Widely used in textbooks and general discussion.
明治憲法の下では、天皇が主権者とされていた。
Under the Meiji Constitution, the Emperor was considered sovereign.
Short for 'Imperial Constitution'. Less common but understood in historical contexts.
帝国憲法は、プロイセン憲法を模範として作られた。
The Imperial Constitution was modeled after the Prussian Constitution.
Casually mentioning the constitution in conversation
Literally 'the constitution of the Meiji era'. Natural in informal speech.
明治の憲法って、今のとどう違うの？
How is the Meiji Constitution different from the current one?
The Meiji Constitution was replaced by the current Constitution of Japan (日本国憲法) in 1947. When contrasting the two, 明治憲法 and 現行憲法 (current constitution) are often used.