Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'public building' is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between government offices, public facilities, and publicly accessible spaces. The most common and direct equivalent is 公共施設, but depending on context, other words may be more natural.
A building or facility owned and operated by the government or a public entity for public use, such as a library, community center, or sports complex.
The standard term for any public facility or building. It covers a wide range of places like libraries, community centers, and public halls.
この公共施設は誰でも利用できます。
This public building can be used by anyone.
市は新しい公共施設を建設中です。
The city is constructing a new public building.
A more literal translation, 'public building'. It is less common than 公共施設 but still understood. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
公共の建物では禁煙です。
Smoking is prohibited in public buildings.
A building where government administrative work is carried out, such as a city hall, ward office, or prefectural office.
Refers to government offices and public agencies collectively. Often used for the buildings themselves.
官公庁が集まるエリアです。
This is an area where public buildings (government offices) are concentrated.
Specifically a government office building. Often used in compound words like 市庁舎 (city hall) or 県庁舎 (prefectural office building).
Commonly means 'government office' or 'city hall'. While it refers to the institution, it can also imply the building itself.
A building used for public gatherings, events, or community activities, such as a civic center or public hall.
A public hall or civic auditorium. Often used for concerts, lectures, and community events.
コンサートは公会堂で行われます。
The concert will be held at the public hall.
A building open to the public but privately owned, such as a shopping mall, hotel, or restaurant. In English, 'public building' sometimes loosely includes these, but in Japanese, they are not 公共施設.
In Japanese, privately owned buildings open to the public are not called 公共施設. Instead, use the specific term like 商業施設 (commercial facility), ショッピングモール (shopping mall), or ホテル (hotel).
この商業施設には多くの店が入っています。
This public building (commercial facility) has many shops.
A legalistic phrase meaning 'building used by an unspecified large number of people'. Used in regulations, not in everyday speech.
不特定多数が利用する建物にはバリアフリー化が義務付けられています。
Buildings used by the general public are required to be barrier-free.
公共施設 implies government or public ownership and operation. A shopping mall or hotel, even if open to the public, is not a 公共施設. Use 商業施設 or the specific building type instead.
The new city hall is near the station.
明日、役所に行って手続きをします。
I'll go to the public building (city hall) tomorrow to do the paperwork.
A civic center or citizens' hall. Very common for municipal event spaces.
市民会館で展示会があります。
There is an exhibition at the civic center.