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A2 noun #1,500 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

警察

keisatsu Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'Keisatsu' is a vital survival word. Learners should focus on recognizing the word in the context of emergencies and locations. You need to know that 'Keisatsu' means 'police' so you can identify police stations and officers. At this stage, the most important phrase is 'Keisatsu wa doko desu ka?' (Where is the police?). You should also recognize the visual cues of the police in Japan, such as the red light on top of a 'Koban' (police box). You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a simple noun for a place or a group of people who help you when you are lost or in trouble. Understanding the number 110 (hyaku-toban) as the police emergency number is also part of A1 cultural knowledge related to this word.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Keisatsu' in simple sentences to describe events or needs. You should be able to say you are going to the police station ('Keisatsu ni ikimasu') or that you need to call them ('Keisatsu wo yobimasu'). You will learn to use it with basic particles like 'ni' (to/at) and 'wo' (object). A2 learners should also start distinguishing between the formal 'Keisatsu' and the more common 'Koban' for daily tasks like reporting a lost wallet. You might describe a police officer's appearance or a police car using simple adjectives. This level is about functional communication—being able to report a simple problem or follow a basic instruction given by an officer.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple needs to describing situations involving the police. You should be able to explain *why* the police were involved in an event, using connectors like 'kara' or 'node.' For example, 'Jiko ga atta node, keisatsu ga kimashita' (Because there was an accident, the police came). You will also encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as news stories or stories. You should understand common collocations like 'Keisatsu ni todokeru' (to report to the police) and 'Keisatsu no sōsa' (police investigation). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the passive voice, such as 'Keisatsu ni tomerareta' (I was stopped by the police), which is very common in natural Japanese.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the role of the police in society and understand more complex news reports. You will encounter specialized vocabulary like 'Keishichō' (Metropolitan Police Department) and 'Kanshika' (Forensics). You should be able to express opinions on public safety and the effectiveness of policing. B2 learners can understand the nuances between different types of police actions, such as 'shitsumon' (questioning) vs. 'torishirabe' (interrogation). You will also start to see the word in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts, such as 'Netto Keisatsu' (internet vigilantes). Your ability to use 'Keisatsu' in formal contexts, like writing a report or giving a presentation on social issues, should be well-developed.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the legal and administrative structures associated with 'Keisatsu.' You can follow complex legal dramas or read newspaper editorials about police reform or judicial issues. You understand the historical evolution of the Japanese police system from the Meiji era to the present. You can use the word in academic or professional settings, discussing topics like 'Keisatsu-ken' (police power) and its limits under the constitution. You are also aware of the subtle social perceptions of the police in different demographics of Japanese society. Your vocabulary includes very specific terms like 'shokumu-shitsumon' (stop and search/questioning) and 'yokuryū' (detention).

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'Keisatsu' and its place in the Japanese psyche. You can appreciate wordplay, historical puns, and deep cultural references involving the police. You can analyze the linguistic differences in how police are portrayed in different literary genres, from 'hard-boiled' detective novels to satirical comedies. You understand the intricate bureaucratic relationships between the National Police Agency and local prefectural forces. You can engage in high-level debates about criminal justice policy, police ethics, and the balance between security and civil liberties. The word 'Keisatsu' is no longer just a noun to you, but a gateway into the complex machinery of the Japanese state.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

警察 in 30 Sekunden

Keisatsu refers to the police force as an institution or authority.
It is a common noun used in both formal and daily contexts.
Key associations include safety, investigation, and emergency reporting.
Distinguish it from 'Koban' (local box) and 'Keisatsukan' (officer).

The Japanese word 警察 (けいさつ - Keisatsu) is a foundational noun that refers to the police force as an institution, the abstract concept of policing, or the collective body of officers responsible for maintaining public order and safety. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, this word carries a weight of authority, reliability, and social structure. It is composed of two kanji: 警 (kei), meaning to admonish, warn, or guard, and 察 (satsu), meaning to guess, observe, or inspect. Together, they describe an entity that guards the public through vigilant observation and investigation.

Etymological Roots: The term was solidified during the Meiji Restoration as Japan modernized its legal and administrative systems, drawing from Western models of civil governance while retaining traditional Confucian values of social harmony.

In daily life, while Keisatsu is the formal term, you will often hear people refer to the police as お巡りさん (O-mawari-san), which literally means 'Mr. Patroller.' This distinction is crucial: Keisatsu is the organization you call in an emergency, while O-mawari-san is the friendly face at the local neighborhood police box.

何かあったら、すぐに警察に連絡してください。
(If anything happens, please contact the police immediately.)

The scope of Keisatsu covers everything from traffic regulation and lost-and-found services to high-level criminal investigations. When you see a patrol car (patokā) or a police station (keisatsusho), you are looking at the physical manifestation of this word. It is a collective noun, so it rarely takes a plural form in the way English might distinguish between 'police' and 'policemen'—the context determines whether you mean the whole force or a specific group.

Institutional Hierarchy: The National Police Agency (警察庁 - Keisatsuchō) oversees the entire system, while the Metropolitan Police Department (警視庁 - Keishichō) specifically handles Tokyo.

彼は警察の仕事をしています。
(He works for the police.)

Furthermore, the word appears in various compound words that are essential for A2 and B1 learners. For example, 警察官 (Keisatsukan) refers to an individual officer, and 警察署 (Keisatsusho) refers to the station. Understanding Keisatsu as the root allows you to unlock a wide range of vocabulary related to law, order, and public service in Japan.

Social Connotation: In Japanese culture, the police are often seen as 'guardians of the peace' (治安の維持者). This means the word is frequently associated with words like 'Anzen' (safety) and 'Mamoru' (to protect).

道に迷ったので、警察で聞きました。
(I got lost, so I asked at the police station/koban.)

警察が泥棒を追いかけている。
(The police are chasing the thief.)

昨夜、警察のパトロールを見ました。
(I saw a police patrol last night.)

Using 警察 (Keisatsu) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese particles and common verb collocations. Because it is a noun representing an organization or authority, it often interacts with particles like に (ni), を (wo), and が (ga) in specific ways that might differ from English usage.

Reporting an Incident: To say 'call the police,' you use 警察を呼ぶ (Keisatsu wo yobu). To say 'report to the police,' you use 警察に届ける (Keisatsu ni todokeru) or 警察に通報する (Keisatsu ni tsūhō suru).

When you are the subject of police action, the passive voice is common. For example, 'to be caught by the police' is 警察に捕まる (Keisatsu ni tsukamaru). Here, the particle に marks the agent of the action. If you are going to the police station for a specific purpose, such as reporting a lost wallet, you would say 警察に行く (Keisatsu ni iku).

財布を盗まれたので、警察に届けました。
(My wallet was stolen, so I reported it to the police.)

In formal writing or news reports, Keisatsu is often paired with specific administrative verbs. 警察が介入する (Keisatsu ga kainyū suru) means 'the police intervene.' 警察が捜査する (Keisatsu ga sōsa suru) means 'the police investigate.' These combinations are essential for reaching B1 and B2 proficiency levels.

Describing Careers: If someone works for the police, you say 警察に勤めている (Keisatsu ni tsutomete iru) or 警察官です (Keisatsukan desu).

スピード違反で警察に止められた。
(I was pulled over by the police for speeding.)

One nuance to keep in mind is the level of politeness. While Keisatsu is neutral, adding -san to create Keisatsu-san is rare; instead, use O-mawari-san for a polite, friendly tone when talking about or to an officer. In a crisis, shouting 警察！ (Keisatsu!) or 助けて！ (Tasukete!) is effective.

Compound Usage: Keisatsu-ken (Police dog), Keisatsu-shō (Police station), Keisatsu-yū (Police car - informal), Keisatsu-techō (Police badge/notebook).

警察の誘導に従ってください。
(Please follow the police's guidance/directions.)

その事件はまだ警察が調べています。
(The police are still investigating that incident.)

彼は警察犬の訓練士です。
(He is a police dog trainer.)

The word 警察 (Keisatsu) is ubiquitous in Japanese media and daily life. You will encounter it most frequently in news broadcasts, crime dramas, and public service announcements. Japan has a massive genre of television known as Keiji-mono (detective stories), where the word Keisatsu and its related terminology are used in every episode.

In the News: News anchors often start segments with 'Keishichō no happyō ni yoru to...' (According to the announcement by the Metropolitan Police Department...), or 'Keisatsu wa... to mite sōsa wo susumete imasu' (The police are proceeding with the investigation, viewing it as...).

In daily urban life, you will hear it through loudspeakers at train stations or in public squares during safety campaigns. For example, during 'National Traffic Safety Week,' you might hear recorded voices reminding citizens that the Keisatsu are monitoring the roads for safety. If you are ever in a situation where a crowd is being managed, such as at a festival or a large protest, the police will use megaphones to give instructions, often identifying themselves as Keisatsu.

こちらは警察です。道を開けてください。
(This is the police. Please clear the way.)

Anime and Manga are also rich sources for this word. From the futuristic 'Psycho-Pass' to the classic 'Detective Conan' (Meitantei Konan), characters frequently interact with the Keisatsu. In these contexts, you'll learn the difference between the 'Prefectural Police' (Ken-kei) and the 'National Police.' The word is often shouted by bystanders when a crime occurs: 'Keisatsu wo yonde!' (Call the police!).

Public Announcements: 'Keisatsu kara no onegai desu' (A request from the police) is a common phrase used in posters and radio spots to ask for information about a crime or to warn about scams.

テレビで警察のドキュメンタリーを見ました。
(I watched a documentary about the police on TV.)

Finally, in the digital age, you might see 'Netto Keisatsu' (Net Police), a slang term for internet users who act like self-appointed vigilantes, pointing out others' mistakes or moral failings online. This shows how the word Keisatsu has permeated even modern subcultures as a symbol of monitoring and enforcement.

犯人は警察に自首しました。
(The culprit surrendered to the police.)

警察のヘリコプターが飛んでいます。
(A police helicopter is flying.)

最近、この辺りは警察の巡回が多いですね。
(Lately, there are many police patrols around here, aren't there?)

While 警察 (Keisatsu) seems straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in usage, particularly regarding specificity and social register. The most common mistake is using Keisatsu when you should be using Keisatsukan or O-mawari-san.

Institution vs. Individual: In English, we say 'A police told me...' but in Japanese, you cannot say 'Keisatsu ga iimashita.' You must say 警察官 (Keisatsukan - police officer) or 警察の人 (Keisatsu no hito - police person) said it.

Another frequent error is confusing the building with the organization. While Keisatsu can refer to the station in casual conversation, it is more accurate to use 警察署 (Keisatsusho) for the large headquarters or 交番 (Koban) for the small local police boxes. If you tell a taxi driver 'Keisatsu ni itte kudasai,' they might be confused about which specific station you mean.

❌ 警察に道を聞きました。
✅ 交番で道を聞きました。

Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with the particle に. When reporting a crime, you report *to* the police (Keisatsu ni). When the police are doing the action, they are the subject (Keisatsu ga). Confusing these can change the meaning from 'I called the police' to 'The police called me.'

Register and Tone: Using 'Keisatsu' in a very informal setting can sound a bit stiff. Conversely, using 'O-mawari-san' in a formal report or academic essay is inappropriate.

❌ 警察が私を助けてくれた。
✅ 警察官の方が助けてくれました。

Finally, don't confuse Keisatsu with Keiji (detective). While all detectives are part of the Keisatsu, not all police are detectives. If you are talking about a plainclothes investigator in a drama, use Keiji. If you are talking about the uniformed officer on the street, use Keisatsukan or O-mawari-san.

あの人は警察の制服を着ています。
(That person is wearing a police uniform.)

警察に相談するのは勇気がいります。
(It takes courage to consult the police.)

間違えて警察に電話してしまった。
(I accidentally called the police.)

To truly master 警察 (Keisatsu), you must understand its relationship with other terms in the 'security and law' semantic field. Japanese has several words that overlap with 'police' but have distinct uses.

警察 (Keisatsu) vs. 交番 (Koban): 警察 is the organization or the large station. 交番 is the small, neighborhood police box. You go to a Koban for directions or lost items; you go to a Keisatsusho for paperwork or serious reporting.
警察官 (Keisatsukan) vs. 刑事 (Keiji): 警察官 is the general term for any police officer. 刑事 specifically refers to a detective who investigates crimes, usually in plain clothes.
警備員 (Keibiin) vs. 警察 (Keisatsu): 警備員 are private security guards (like those at malls or construction sites). They do not have the legal powers of the 警察.

Another interesting comparison is with 公安 (Kōan). While Keisatsu handles general crime, Kōan (Public Security) is more like the FBI or MI5, focusing on national security, counter-terrorism, and political stability. In anime like 'Ghost in the Shell,' you'll hear Kōan much more often than Keisatsu.

警察と消防は連携しています。
(The police and the fire department are cooperating.)

In the context of traffic, you might encounter 白バイ隊員 (Shirobai taiin), which refers to the motorcycle police (literally 'white bike members'). While they are Keisatsu, they are almost always referred to by their specific vehicle when seen on the road. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate Japanese society more effectively and speak with greater precision.

警察ではなく、警備員に聞いてください。
(Don't ask the police; please ask the security guard.)

彼は警察庁のエリートです。
(He is an elite from the National Police Agency.)

この町には警察署が一つしかありません。
(There is only one police station in this town.)

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Informell

Umgangssprache

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

警察はどこですか？

Where is the police?

Basic question structure with 'doko'.

警察を呼んでください！

Please call the police!

Using 'wo' + 'yonde kudasai' for requests.

あそこに警察がいます。

There is a police officer over there.

Using 'ga imasu' for existence of people.

警察は110番です。

The police is 110.

Simple 'A wa B desu' sentence.

警察の車は白と黒です。

Police cars are white and black.

Possessive 'no' and color adjectives.

警察に行きます。

I am going to the police.

Destination particle 'ni'.

警察の人は親切です。

The police person is kind.

Adjective 'shinsetsu' describing a person.

警察で聞きました。

I asked at the police station.

Location of action particle 'de'.

財布をなくしたので、警察に行きました。

I lost my wallet, so I went to the police.

Using 'node' to explain a reason.

警察官に道を聞きました。

I asked a police officer for directions.

Using 'ni' to mark the person being asked.

警察が泥棒を捕まえました。

The police caught the thief.

Subject 'ga' and object 'wo'.

昨日、警察のパトロールを見ました。

I saw a police patrol yesterday.

Time adverb 'kinō' and object 'wo'.

警察に届け出を出しました。

I filed a report with the police.

Compound noun 'todokede' (report/notification).

警察の制服はかっこいいです。

Police uniforms are cool.

Adjective 'kakkoii'.

警察は町の安全を守っています。

The police protect the safety of the town.

Present continuous '~te imasu'.

警察に電話をしてもいいですか？

May I call the police?

Asking permission with '~te mo ii desu ka'.

事故の目撃者として、警察に話をしました。

I spoke to the police as a witness to the accident.

Using 'toshite' to mean 'as/in the capacity of'.

スピードを出しすぎて、警察に止められました。

I was stopped by the police for speeding.

Passive voice 'tomerareta'.

警察の捜査が続いています。

The police investigation is continuing.

Noun 'sōsa' (investigation).

不審な男がいたので、警察に通報しました。

There was a suspicious man, so I reported it to the police.

Adjective 'fushin na' (suspicious).

警察は犯人の行方を追っています。

The police are chasing the culprit's whereabouts.

Noun 'yukue' (whereabouts).

警察の介入によって、騒ぎは収まりました。

The commotion settled down due to police intervention.

Using 'ni yotte' to indicate cause/means.

警察犬が証拠を見つけました。

The police dog found the evidence.

Compound 'Keisatsu-ken' (police dog).

警察に相談すれば、解決するかもしれません。

If you consult the police, it might be resolved.

Conditional 'ba' and 'kamoshiremasen'.

警察は市民の信頼を得るために努力しています。

The police are making efforts to gain the trust of the citizens.

Using 'tame ni' to express purpose.

その事件に関して、警察はまだコメントを控えています。

The police are still withholding comment regarding that incident.

Using 'ni kanshite' (regarding).

警察の権限が強化されることには賛否両論あります。

There are pros and cons to the strengthening of police powers.

Noun 'sanpibyouron' (pros and cons).

警察はサイバー犯罪への対策を急いでいます。

The police are rushing measures against cybercrime.

Noun 'taisaku' (measures/countermeasures).

彼は警察の不祥事を厳しく批判した。

He severely criticized the police scandal.

Noun 'fushōji' (scandal/misconduct).

警察のパトカーがサイレンを鳴らして走り去った。

The police patrol car drove away with its siren blaring.

Compound verb 'hashirisatta' (ran away/drove off).

警察のデータベースにアクセスする許可が必要です。

Permission is required to access the police database.

Noun 'kyoka' (permission).

警察は暴力団の取り締まりを強化している。

The police are strengthening the crackdown on organized crime groups.

Noun 'torishimari' (crackdown/control).

警察の組織改革は、透明性の向上を目的としている。

The organizational reform of the police aims to improve transparency.

Noun 'tōmeisei' (transparency).

警察による任意同行は、法的な強制力を持たない。

Voluntary accompaniment by the police does not have legal binding force.

Legal term 'nin'i dōkō' (voluntary accompaniment).

警察の過剰な警備が、デモ参加者の反発を招いた。

Excessive policing led to a backlash from the protesters.

Noun 'hanpatsu' (backlash/opposition).

警察庁長官は、治安維持の重要性を強調した。

The Commissioner General of the NPA emphasized the importance of maintaining public order.

Title 'Keisatsuchō Chōkan'.

警察の捜査手法がプライバシーの侵害にあたる可能性がある。

Police investigation methods may constitute an invasion of privacy.

Phrase 'shingai ni ataru' (constitute an infringement).

警察は最新のAI技術を導入して、犯罪予測を行っている。

The police are introducing the latest AI technology to perform crime prediction.

Using 'dōnyū shite' (introducing/implementing).

警察内部の隠蔽体質が、今回の不祥事で露呈した。

The culture of concealment within the police was exposed by this scandal.

Noun 'inpei taishitsu' (culture of concealment).

警察の職務質問に対する法的解釈は、時代とともに変化してきた。

The legal interpretation of police questioning has changed over time.

Noun 'shokumu shitsumon' (official questioning).

警察権力の行使は、常に憲法の枠組みの中に留まるべきである。

The exercise of police power should always remain within the framework of the Constitution.

Formal phrasing 'kōshi' (exercise) and 'wakugumi' (framework).

警察と検察の力関係が、刑事司法制度の根幹を成している。

The power dynamic between the police and the prosecution forms the core of the criminal justice system.

Noun 'konkan' (root/core).

警察の民営化という議論は、公共の安全という概念を根底から覆すものである。

The debate over privatizing the police fundamentally overturns the concept of public safety.

Phrase 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' (overturn from the roots).

警察の歴史を紐解くと、国家権力と市民社会の緊張関係が見て取れる。

Unraveling the history of the police reveals the tension between state power and civil society.

Idiom 'himotoku' (to unravel/read a book).

警察の広報戦略は、メディアとの共生関係の上に成り立っている。

The police's PR strategy is built upon a symbiotic relationship with the media.

Noun 'kyōsei kankei' (symbiotic relationship).

警察による監視社会化への懸念が、リベラルな知識人の間で高まっている。

Concerns about the transition to a surveillance society by the police are rising among liberal intellectuals.

Noun 'kanshi shakaika' (surveillance-society-ization).

警察の不作為が被害を拡大させたとして、遺族が国を提訴した。

The bereaved family sued the state, claiming that police inaction expanded the damage.

Legal term 'fusaikui' (omission/inaction).

警察のアイデンティティは、地域密着型の『交番』制度に象徴されている。

The identity of the police is symbolized by the community-based 'Koban' system.

Noun 'shōchō' (symbol).

Häufige Kollokationen

警察を呼ぶ

警察に通報する

警察に届ける

警察が捜査する

警察に捕まる

警察のパトロール

警察の介入

警察署に行く

警察の許可

警察の誘導

Häufige Phrasen

警察だ！

警察を呼んで！

警察に相談する

警察の厄介になる

警察の目を盗む

警察沙汰になる

警察犬

警察手帳

警察車両

警察官僚

Wird oft verwechselt mit

警察 vs 消防 (Fire department)

警察 vs 自衛隊 (Self-Defense Forces)

警察 vs 検察 (Prosecution)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

警察 vs

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

Emergency

Dial 110.

Non-emergency

Go to a Koban.

Identification

Officers carry a 'Keisatsu-techō' (badge/ID).

Häufige Fehler

Tipps

Friendly Officers

Don't be afraid to approach a Koban for help with directions; it's one of their primary duties.

Kanji Meaning

Remember 'Kei' (Guard) and 'Satsu' (Inspect) to understand the word's essence.

Emergency Number

Memorize 110. It's the most important number to know alongside 119 (Fire/Ambulance).

O-mawari-san

Use 'O-mawari-san' when talking to children about the police to sound more natural and friendly.

Keisatsukan

Always add '-kan' (officer) when you want to talk about the individual person.

Passive Voice

Practice 'Keisatsu ni tomerareta' (I was stopped by the police) as it's a very common B1-level structure.

News Keywords

When you hear 'Keisatsu' on the news, listen for the following verb to know if they are investigating (sōsa) or arresting (taiho).

Trust

In Japan, showing respect to the police is the norm. Use polite language (Desu/Masu) when interacting with them.

Compound Words

Learn compounds like 'Keisatsusho' (station) early, as 'Keisatsu' alone is often too broad for writing.

Drama Genre

Watch 'Keiji-mono' (detective dramas) to hear 'Keisatsu' used in many different professional contexts.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Sino-Japanese compound

Kultureller Kontext

The emergency number for the police in Japan.

The neighborhood police box system originated in Japan and has been studied by other countries.

Police officers are usually addressed as 'O-mawari-san' by the public.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"近くに警察署はありますか？"

"警察官になりたいと思ったことはありますか？"

"日本の警察についてどう思いますか？"

"警察に助けてもらったことがありますか？"

"警察のドラマは好きですか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、警察の車を見ましたか？

もし警察官になったら、何をしたいですか？

警察に届けたことがある落とし物について書いてください。

あなたの国の警察と日本の警察の違いは何ですか？

警察が必要ない世界は可能だと思いますか？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Keisatsu refers to the entire police organization or a large station. Koban is a small neighborhood police box where officers are stationed to help locals with minor issues like lost items or directions.

You dial 110 on any phone. This is the emergency number that connects you to the police dispatch center. For non-emergencies, it's better to go to a local Koban.

It is a neutral, formal word. When speaking directly to an officer, it is more polite and natural to call them 'O-mawari-san' rather than 'Keisatsu-san'.

Technically no, it refers to the organization. To refer to a single person, you should use 'Keisatsukan' (police officer) or 'Keisatsu no hito' (police person).

Keishichō is the specific name for the Metropolitan Police Department of Tokyo. It is the most famous police department in Japan and often appears in dramas.

Yes, Japanese police officers carry handguns, batons, and handcuffs, though they very rarely use their firearms due to strict regulations and the low crime rate.

You should go to the nearest 'Keisatsusho' (police station) or 'Koban' and file a 'Ishitsubutsu-todoke' (lost property report) to get a certificate for your embassy.

In major tourist areas like Shinjuku or Kyoto, some officers at Kobans speak basic English. Many Kobans also have translation tablets or pamphlets to help foreigners.

It is the Japanese loanword for 'Patrol Car.' It refers to the black and white police cars you see on the streets.

It's a slang term for 'Internet Police'—users who monitor social media to call out others for bad behavior, mistakes, or breaking social norms.