Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'palace' depends on whose palace it is and the context. The most common general term is 宮殿 (きゅうでん), but for the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 皇居 (こうきょ) is used. When referring to a palace as part of a name, 宮 (きゅう) or 御所 (ごしょ) may appear.
Referring to a grand residence of a monarch, emperor, or high-ranking person in general.
The standard word for 'palace' in a general sense, such as European palaces or fictional ones.
バッキンガム宮殿はロンドンにあります。
Buckingham Palace is in London.
その宮殿は金で飾られていた。
The palace was decorated with gold.
Often used in compound words or names of palaces, such as 離宮 (detached palace) or 王宮 (royal palace). Less common as a standalone word.
離宮は静かな場所に建てられた。
The detached palace was built in a quiet place.
Specifically referring to the residence of the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo.
The proper name for the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Use this when talking about the Emperor's residence.
皇居は東京の中心にあります。
The Imperial Palace is in the center of Tokyo.
皇居の周りをジョギングする人が多い。
Many people jog around the Imperial Palace.
When 'palace' appears in a proper name, like 'Kyoto Imperial Palace' or 'Heian Palace'.
Used in historical or traditional contexts, especially for imperial palaces in Kyoto, like 京都御所 (Kyoto Imperial Palace).
京都御所は昔、天皇が住んでいた場所です。
Kyoto Imperial Palace is where the emperor used to live.
Appears in many palace names, such as 平安宮 (Heian Palace) or 大宮 (Omiya Palace). Often used in historical contexts.
Referring to the palace of a king, queen, or emperor outside Japan.
Specifically means 'royal palace' and is used for palaces of kings and queens, like in Europe or fantasy settings.
王宮では舞踏会が開かれた。
A ball was held at the royal palace.
Also works for non-Japanese palaces, but 王宮 is more specific to royalty.
宮殿 (きゅうでん) is the general term for any palace. 皇居 (こうきょ) is specifically the current Imperial Palace in Tokyo. 御所 (ごしょ) is used for historical imperial palaces, especially in Kyoto. Do not use 皇居 for Buckingham Palace or other foreign palaces; use 宮殿 or 王宮 instead.
皇居は東京にありますが、バッキンガム宮殿はロンドンにあります。
The Imperial Palace is in Tokyo, but Buckingham Palace is in London.
The loanword パレス (paresu) exists but is mainly used in proper names like パレスホテル (Palace Hotel) or パレスサイド (Palaceside Building). It is not a natural translation for 'palace' in most contexts.
その宮殿は壮大だった。
The palace was magnificent.
私たちは皇居を訪れた。
We visited the Imperial Palace.
王様は美しい王宮に住んでいた。
The king lived in a beautiful palace.
Heian Palace was the political center of the Heian period.
その宮殿は王の住まいだった。
That palace was the king's residence.