Translation guide
Refers to official matters, duties, or affairs conducted by a government or its officials. The Japanese expressions vary depending on whether it's administrative work, official duties, public affairs, or state secrets.
General term for work or affairs handled by government offices or officials.
The most common and neutral term for official government duties or public service. Used for work performed by civil servants and government officials.
彼は公務で海外に行っている。
He is abroad on government business.
公務のため、本日は休業します。
Closed today for government business.
Refers specifically to administrative work within government offices. More bureaucratic and formal than 公務.
官庁業務の効率化が求められている。
Efficiency in government business is being demanded.
Administrative affairs or clerical work in government. Emphasizes the procedural and paperwork aspect.
行政事務の簡素化を進める。
We will promote simplification of government business.
Matters of public concern or state governance, often discussed in political or legal contexts.
Refers to national affairs or state matters. Often used in formal or legal contexts, such as '国事行為' (acts of state).
天皇は国事に関する行為を行う。
The Emperor performs acts in matters of state.
Government affairs or political duties. Often used for the work of politicians and high-ranking officials.
When someone travels or is assigned to do something as part of their government role.
A business trip for government duties. The standard term for traveling on government business.
来週、公務出張でワシントンに行きます。
Next week I'm going to Washington on government business.
To travel on official business. 公用 means 'official business' and can be used for government or company contexts.
公用で旅行する際は、経費が支給される。
When traveling on government business, expenses are covered.
Information or affairs that are classified or not to be disclosed to the public.
Secrets or classified information, often used in the context of government or military. Can be combined with 国家 (nation) to form 国家機密 (state secrets).
その文書は国家機密に指定されている。
That document is designated as a state secret.
Internal affairs or inside information of the government. Implies matters not meant for public knowledge.
彼は政府の内情に詳しい。
He is familiar with the inner workings of the government.
The English phrase 'government business' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, it's rarely translated as a single fixed phrase. Always consider the context: is it administrative work, a political matter, an official trip, or confidential information? Using the wrong term can sound unnatural or confusing.
公務 (こうむ) refers to the duties or work of a public servant. 公用 (こうよう) refers to official business or official use, and can apply to both government and private sector contexts (e.g., company official business). For government-specific contexts, 公務 is more precise.
The minister is busy with government business.