Translation guide
The English word 'congress' most commonly refers to the legislative body of the United States. In Japanese, it is usually translated as 議会 (gikai) for general legislative bodies, or 国会 (kokkai) for Japan's national legislature. For the U.S. Congress specifically, 米国議会 (beikoku gikai) or 連邦議会 (renpō gikai) are used. The word can also mean a formal meeting or conference, for which 会議 (kaigi) or 大会 (taikai) are appropriate.
Referring to the national lawmaking body of the United States, or by extension, similar bodies in other countries.
General term for a legislative assembly. Can refer to the U.S. Congress, but often needs clarification with a country name.
米国議会は二院制です。
The U.S. Congress is bicameral.
Specifically refers to Japan's national legislature (the Diet). Not used for the U.S. Congress unless in a comparative context.
日本の国会は衆議院と参議院から成ります。
Japan's Diet consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
Literally 'federal congress'. Used for the U.S. Congress or other federal legislative bodies.
連邦議会で新しい法律が可決されました。
A new law was passed in Congress.
Referring to a large formal gathering of representatives or experts.
General word for meeting, conference, or congress. Suitable for academic or professional gatherings.
国際医学会議が東京で開催されます。
An international medical congress will be held in Tokyo.
Large meeting, convention, or rally. Often used for party congresses or large-scale conferences.
Referring to a specific historical congress by name.
Attach the place name or descriptor before 会議. For example, the Congress of Vienna is ウィーン会議.
ウィーン会議は1814年から1815年にかけて開催されました。
The Congress of Vienna was held from 1814 to 1815.
議会 is a generic term for any legislative assembly. 国会 specifically refers to Japan's national parliament (the Diet). 連邦議会 is used for the U.S. Congress or other federal legislatures. When referring to the U.S. Congress, 米国議会 or 連邦議会 are the most precise terms.
米国議会はワシントンD.C.にあります。
The U.S. Congress is in Washington, D.C.
Using 国会 to refer to the U.S. Congress is incorrect because 国会 is the specific name for Japan's legislature. Use 米国議会 or 連邦議会 instead.
党大会で新しい党首が選ばれました。
A new party leader was elected at the party congress.