Translation guide
The legislative body of a city government. In Japan, this is typically the 市議会 (shigikai). The term can also refer to the physical meeting or the building.
The elected assembly that makes decisions for a city.
The standard term for a city council in Japan. Refers to the institution and its members collectively.
市議会は来月、新しい条例を審議する。
The city council will deliberate on a new ordinance next month.
彼は市議会議員に立候補した。
He ran for a seat on the city council.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'the city's council'. Used when clarifying or contrasting with other councils.
市の議会は町の議会より権限が大きい。
The city council has more authority than the town council.
An individual or group of individuals serving on the city council.
A member of the city council. Often shortened to 市議 (shigi) in speech.
市議会議員に当選した。
I was elected to the city council.
彼女は若い市議会議員だ。
She is a young city council member.
Abbreviation of 市議会議員. Common in news and conversation.
市議の給料はいくらですか。
How much is a city council member's salary?
A formal gathering of the city council to conduct business.
Literally 'meeting of the city council'. Used for specific sessions.
明日の市議会の会議は公開です。
Tomorrow's city council meeting is open to the public.
Refers to a plenary session of the council, as opposed to committee meetings.
市議会の本会議で予算が承認された。
The budget was approved at the city council's plenary session.
The physical location where the council meets.
The council chamber or hall. Often part of the city hall complex.
市議会議場は市役所の5階にあります。
The city council chamber is on the 5th floor of city hall.
City hall. In many cities, the council meets here, so it can be used metonymically.
抗議のため市役所に集まった。
They gathered at city hall to protest.
In Japan, municipalities are classified as cities (市), towns (町), or villages (村). A 'city council' specifically refers to a 市議会. For a town, use 町議会 (ちょうぎかい); for a village, 村議会 (そんぎかい). Using 市議会 for a town would be incorrect.
市議会 refers to the council as a body. 市議 refers to an individual member. In English, 'city council' can mean both, so choose the Japanese term based on context.