Translation guide
Refers to the family of the emperor of Japan. The most common and neutral term is 皇室 (こうしつ). Other terms exist with different nuances, such as formality or historical context.
To refer to the Japanese imperial family in a general, neutral context.
The standard, neutral term for the imperial family. Used in news, official contexts, and everyday conversation.
皇室の皆様は国民に親しまれています。
The imperial family is beloved by the people.
皇室に関するニュースをよく見ます。
I often watch news about the imperial family.
Literally 'emperor's family', often used to emphasize the direct family of the current emperor. Slightly more specific than 皇室.
天皇家の歴史は古くから続いています。
The history of the emperor's family continues from ancient times.
A formal, somewhat archaic term for the imperial household. Used in historical or very formal contexts.
帝室の伝統は厳かに守られています。
The traditions of the imperial house are solemnly preserved.
To refer to the individual members of the imperial family collectively.
Refers to the members of the imperial family (princes, princesses, etc.) as a group. Often used in official contexts.
皇族の方々が式典に出席されました。
Members of the imperial family attended the ceremony.
A polite way to refer to members of the imperial family, using 方々 (かたがた) as an honorific plural.
皇室の方々は公務でお忙しいです。
The members of the imperial family are busy with official duties.
To refer to the imperial household as an institution or organization.
The Imperial Household Agency, the government body that manages the affairs of the imperial family. Not a direct translation of 'imperial family', but often used when discussing the institution.
宮内庁が皇室の行事を管理しています。
The Imperial Household Agency manages the events of the imperial family.
Do not translate 'imperial family' word-for-word as 帝国の家族 (ていこくのかぞく). This sounds unnatural and is not used in Japanese.
In many cases, simply using 皇室 (こうしつ) is sufficient. If you need to emphasize the members, use 皇族 (こうぞく) or 皇室の方々 (こうしつのかたがた).