Translation guide
A county is an administrative division within a state or country, often larger than a city but smaller than a state. In Japan, the closest equivalent is the 'gun' (郡), but its role and perception differ from counties in English-speaking countries. This guide explains how to express the concept of a county in Japanese, depending on context.
Referring to a Japanese county (gun) as an administrative unit.
The standard term for a county in Japan. It is a rural administrative district that contains towns and villages, but no cities. Note that in everyday conversation, Japanese people rarely refer to the county; they usually mention the specific town or city.
彼は千葉県の郡に住んでいます。
He lives in a county in Chiba Prefecture.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often skip the county and just name the municipality. If you know the specific town or village, use that instead.
彼は大多喜町に住んでいます。
He lives in Otaki Town (which is in Isumi County, but the county is omitted).
Referring to a county in a foreign country, such as the US or UK.
Used for counties in other countries as well. Often combined with the country or state name for clarity.
ロサンゼルス郡はカリフォルニア州にあります。
Los Angeles County is in California.
Loanword from English, sometimes used in contexts like British counties or when emphasizing the English term. Less common than 郡.
イギリスのカウンティ制度は複雑です。
The county system in the UK is complex.
Referring to the administrative center of a county.
The formal term for county seat. Used in official contexts.
この町は郡庁所在地です。
This town is the county seat.
In Japan, counties (郡) are mostly rural and contain towns and villages. In daily conversation, people rarely say they live in a county; they name the city, town, or village. Use 郡 mainly when discussing administrative divisions, addresses, or geography.