Translation guide
In a bicameral legislature, the lower house is the chamber that is usually more directly representative of the population. In Japan, this is the House of Representatives (衆議院).
Referring to the House of Representatives, the more powerful lower chamber of Japan's parliament.
Referring to the lower chamber of a bicameral legislature outside Japan.
The generic term for any lower house. Often combined with the country name, e.g., アメリカ下院 (U.S. House of Representatives).
衆議院 (lower house) has more power than 参議院 (upper house). For example, the lower house can override the upper house's rejection of a bill with a two-thirds majority. The Prime Minister is chosen from the lower house.
衆議院の優越は憲法で定められている。
The superiority of the lower house is stipulated in the constitution.
When discussing Japanese politics, always use 衆議院. 下院 is a generic term and may sound vague or foreign. In international contexts, 下院 is appropriate.
The official name of the lower house of Japan's National Diet. This is the standard term in all contexts.
衆議院は参議院よりも優越している。
The lower house has superiority over the upper house.
衆議院議員選挙が行われた。
A lower house election was held.
A general term for 'lower house' that can refer to any country's lower chamber. Less specific than 衆議院, but understood in context.
アメリカの下院は代議院と呼ばれる。
The lower house of the United States is called the House of Representatives.
イギリスの下院は庶民院と呼ばれる。
The lower house of the UK is called the House of Commons.
Specifically refers to the lower house in some countries like the United States (House of Representatives). Not commonly used for Japan's lower house.
アメリカ合衆国代議院は435人の議員で構成される。
The United States House of Representatives consists of 435 members.