Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for a legislative body depends on the country and level of government. The most common general term is 議会 (gikai), but Japan's national legislature is specifically called 国会 (kokkai). Other terms like 立法府 (rippōfu) are more abstract or formal.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a legislative body in general, or a local/regional assembly.
The standard word for any legislative assembly, including local, prefectural, and foreign parliaments. It can be used for city councils, state legislatures, etc.
市議会は新しい条例を可決した。
The city council passed a new ordinance.
議会の役割は法律を制定することだ。
The role of the legislature is to enact laws.
Refers to the legislative branch of government in the abstract, often in political science or formal contexts. Not used for local councils.
立法府は行政府を監視する役割を持つ。
The legislative branch has the role of overseeing the executive branch.
Specifically referring to Japan's bicameral parliament.
The proper name for Japan's national parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
国会は衆議院と参議院から成る。
The Diet consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
首相は国会で演説を行った。
The prime minister gave a speech in the Diet.
Referring to the parliament or congress of another country.
Used generically for foreign parliaments, often with the country name. For the US Congress, 連邦議会 is common.
イギリス議会はロンドンにある。
The British Parliament is in London.
Sometimes used for foreign national legislatures by analogy, but 議会 is safer and more common.
Referring to one chamber of a bicameral legislature.
Upper house (e.g., Senate, House of Councillors).
上院は法案を否決した。
The upper house rejected the bill.
Lower house (e.g., House of Representatives, House of Commons).
議会 is the general term for any assembly. 国会 is specifically Japan's national Diet. 立法府 is the abstract legislative branch, used in political science or formal writing.
アメリカ国会では現在、予算案が審議されている。
The US Congress is currently deliberating the budget bill.
The bill passed by the lower house was sent to the upper house.