Translation guide
The act of casting a vote in an election or decision-making process. In Japanese, the most common word is 投票 (tōhyō), but the way you talk about voting depends on the context—whether it's a formal election, a show of hands, or an informal poll.
Expressing the act of voting in a formal election or referendum.
The standard noun for 'voting' or 'a vote'. Used for elections, referendums, and formal decision-making. Can be used with する to mean 'to vote'.
Means 'election'. Often used in phrases like 'go to the election' to mean 'go to vote'. Not a direct translation of 'voting', but very common in context.
選挙に行く。
I'm going to vote (lit. go to the election).
Literally 'put in a ballot'. A more concrete way to say 'cast a vote'.
投票箱に票を入れる。
Put a ballot in the ballot box.
Voting by raising hands or saying 'aye' in a meeting.
Raising hands; a show of hands. Often used in meetings or classrooms.
挙手で決める。
Decide by a show of hands.
Majority by show of hands.
挙手多数で可決された。
It was passed by a show of hands.
Voice vote (saying 'aye' or 'nay'). Less common than 挙手.
声の投票で決める。
Decide by voice vote.
Casual voting, like an online poll or asking for opinions.
A questionnaire or survey. Often used for informal voting or opinion polls.
アンケートに答える。
Answer a survey / vote in a poll.
The legal right to vote.
Suffrage; the right to vote in elections.
18歳から選挙権がある。
You have the right to vote from age 18.
Political rights, including the right to vote. Broader than 選挙権.
Not voting or choosing to abstain.
投票 (tōhyō) is the act of voting or the vote itself. 選挙 (senkyo) is the election event. You say 投票に行く (go to vote) or 選挙に行く (go to the election). Both are natural, but 投票 is more direct for 'voting'.
In English, 'voting' can mean a show of hands or a quick poll. In Japanese, 投票 usually implies a formal ballot. For a show of hands, use 挙手 (kyoshu). For an informal poll, use アンケート (ankēto) or 簡単な投票 (kantan na tōhyō).
投票は基本的人権です。
Voting is a fundamental right.
投票は次の日曜日に行われます。
The voting will take place next Sunday.
オンライン投票が増えています。
Online voting is becoming more common.
Popularity vote/contest. Used for things like ranking idols or characters.
人気投票で1位になった。
Got first place in the popularity vote.
女性の参政権が認められた。
Women's suffrage was granted.
白票を投じる。
Cast a blank ballot.