Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'various provinces' depends on context. For historical or administrative regions, use 諸国 (shokoku) or 各地方 (kaku chihō). For modern prefectures, use 各都道府県 (kaku todōfuken). In casual speech, いろんな県 (ironna ken) is common. Note that 'province' is not a direct administrative unit in modern Japan; prefectures are the standard division.
Referring to multiple traditional provinces or regions of Japan, often in historical or literary contexts.
Literally 'various countries/provinces'. Used for historical provinces of Japan. Formal and somewhat literary.
諸国の大名が集まった。
Daimyo from various provinces gathered.
Means 'each region/area'. More general and can refer to modern regions as well.
各地方の特産品を紹介します。
We introduce specialty products from various regions.
Referring to multiple modern administrative divisions (prefectures) of Japan.
Formal term covering all types of prefectures (to, dō, fu, ken). Used in official contexts.
各都道府県に緊急事態宣言が出された。
A state of emergency was declared in various prefectures.
Casual way to say 'various prefectures'. いろんな is a colloquial form of いろいろな.
いろんな県を旅行して回った。
I traveled around various prefectures.
Neutral, meaning 'multiple prefectures'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
複数の県で大雨警報が出ています。
Heavy rain warnings have been issued in various prefectures.
When 'provinces' is used loosely to mean various areas or regions, not necessarily administrative divisions.
Means 'various places/areas'. Very common and neutral.
各地で桜が満開です。
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in various areas.
Literally 'various regions'. More explicit than 各地.
いろいろな地域の料理を楽しんだ。
I enjoyed cuisine from various regions.
Directly translating 'various provinces' as 様々な州 (samazama na shū) or 様々な省 (samazama na shō) is unnatural because Japan does not use 'provinces' as modern administrative units. Use context-appropriate terms like 都道府県 (todōfuken) for prefectures or 地方 (chihō) for regions.