Translation guide
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and a major global city. In Japanese, it is 東京 (とうきょう). When referring to the city, the word is used as a proper noun. Note that Tokyo can also refer to the greater metropolitan area or the prefecture.
東京
Tokyo
Referring to the capital city of Japan, either the 23 special wards or the broader metropolis.
The standard name for Tokyo. Use this in almost all contexts.
東京は日本の首都です。
Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
来週、東京に行きます。
I'm going to Tokyo next week.
Refers to the Tokyo Metropolis, the administrative prefecture that includes the 23 wards, cities, and islands.
東京都の人口は約1400万人です。
The population of Tokyo Metropolis is about 14 million.
Specifically the 23 special wards of central Tokyo. Used when distinguishing from the wider metropolis.
東京23区は非常に人口密度が高いです。
The 23 wards of Tokyo have a very high population density.
When Tokyo appears in the name of a company, institution, or event.
Prefix for names of Tokyo-based entities. The reading of the whole name may vary.
東京大学は日本で最も有名な大学の一つです。
The University of Tokyo is one of the most famous universities in Japan.
東京駅で新幹線に乗ります。
I'll take the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
Referring to the larger metropolitan region including surrounding prefectures.
Literally 'capital region', commonly used to refer to the Greater Tokyo Area including Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
首都圏の交通網は非常に発達しています。
The transportation network in the Greater Tokyo Area is highly developed.
Another term for the Tokyo metropolitan area, often used in statistics and planning.
The 'kyo' in Tokyo is pronounced as one syllable, similar to 'kyo' in 'Kyoto'. Avoid saying 'To-ki-yo' with three distinct syllables.
Tokyo is a proper noun. Do not use it to refer to other capital cities or large cities in general.
東京圏の人口は3000万人を超えています。
The population of the Tokyo metropolitan area exceeds 30 million.