The police are the public authority responsible for law enforcement and safety.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A public organization responsible for maintaining public order.
- Refers to both the police institution and the police station.
- Commonly used when reporting crimes or accidents.
概要
「けいさつ（警察）」は、社会の秩序を維持し、犯罪の予防や捜査を行う行政機関です。日常生活において、事件や事故に遭遇した際に最も身近な公的機関として認識されています。2) 使用パターン: 「警察を呼ぶ」「警察に行く」「警察に相談する」といった動詞と組み合わせて使われます。また、単に「警察」と言うと組織全体を指しますが、文脈によっては「警察署（けいさつしょ）」という建物を指すこともあります。3) 一般的な文脈: 交通事故、盗難被害、迷子、不審者の通報など、緊急時や困り事がある時に使われる言葉です。「110番」という緊急連絡先と深く結びついています。4) 類似語との比較: 「おまわりさん」は親しみや敬意を込めた呼称で、子供や日常会話でよく使われます。「警察官」は、警察という組織に所属する「人」を指す言葉であり、組織そのものを指す「警察」とは使い分けが必要です。
Examples
昨日、警察に電話をしました。
everydayI called the police yesterday.
警察の捜査により、犯人が逮捕されました。
formalThe criminal was arrested due to the police investigation.
あ、警察だ！
informalOh, look, the police!
警察組織のあり方について議論する。
academicDiscussing the nature of the police organization.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
警察沙汰になる
To become a police matter
警察官職務執行法
Police Duties Execution Act
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to an individual police officer rather than the organization. Use this when talking about a person.
Refers to a 'Koban' (police box), which is a small local station. It is a specific type of police facility.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'keisatsu' is neutral and commonly used in all settings. When speaking to an officer, 'keisatsukan-san' or simply 'sumimasen' is polite. Avoid using it to refer to a specific person unless you use 'keisatsukan'.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often say 'keisatsu-san' to refer to the organization, but 'keisatsu' alone is sufficient. Another error is confusing 'keisatsu' with 'keisatsukan' when describing a person. Remember that 'keisatsu' is the entity, while 'keisatsukan' is the human agent.
Tips
Use with specific verbs for clarity
Combine 'keisatsu' with verbs like 'yobu' (call) or 'iku' (go) to describe actions. This makes your intentions clear in emergency situations.
Don't confuse organization with individual
Use 'keisatsukan' when referring to a specific police officer. Using 'keisatsu' for a person can sound slightly impersonal or vague.
Koban culture in Japan
Japan has small local police boxes called 'koban' in many neighborhoods. These are small branches of the police station where officers provide local support.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sino-Japanese roots 'kei' (to warn/watch) and 'satsu' (to examine/investigate). It reflects the dual duty of monitoring and investigating.
Cultural Context
The Japanese police are highly respected and viewed as protectors of the community. The 'Koban' system is a unique cultural feature that integrates police into daily neighborhood life.
Memory Tip
Think of 'K' for 'Keep' order. 'Keisatsu' keeps the peace in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「警察」は組織全体や概念を指すのに対し、「警察署」は特定の場所にある建物そのものを指します。日常会話では「警察に行く」と言えば、警察署へ行くことを自然に意味します。
日本では緊急時に「110番」に電話をします。事件や事故に遭遇した際は、落ち着いてこの番号に連絡してください。
はい、親しみを込めた呼び方として広く使われています。ただし、公式な文書やニュースでは「警察官」という言葉が使われます。
犯罪の捜査、交通の取り締まり、迷子の保護、地域のパトロールなどを行っています。市民の安全を守るための幅広い活動を担っています。
Test Yourself
事故があったので、すぐに___を呼びました。
事故の通報は警察に行うのが一般的です。
警察官についての説明として正しいものはどれですか？
「官」は人を表す接尾辞です。
（1.警察に 2.昨日 3.相談しました 4.行きました）
時を表す言葉を先に置き、動作の順序を整えます。
Score: /3
Summary
The police are the public authority responsible for law enforcement and safety.
- A public organization responsible for maintaining public order.
- Refers to both the police institution and the police station.
- Commonly used when reporting crimes or accidents.
Use with specific verbs for clarity
Combine 'keisatsu' with verbs like 'yobu' (call) or 'iku' (go) to describe actions. This makes your intentions clear in emergency situations.
Don't confuse organization with individual
Use 'keisatsukan' when referring to a specific police officer. Using 'keisatsu' for a person can sound slightly impersonal or vague.
Koban culture in Japan
Japan has small local police boxes called 'koban' in many neighborhoods. These are small branches of the police station where officers provide local support.
Examples
4 of 4昨日、警察に電話をしました。
I called the police yesterday.
警察の捜査により、犯人が逮捕されました。
The criminal was arrested due to the police investigation.
あ、警察だ！
Oh, look, the police!
警察組織のあり方について議論する。
Discussing the nature of the police organization.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More society words
活動
B1A thing that a person or group does or has done; the state of being active.
実態
B1The actual condition or reality of a situation, especially as opposed to how it is supposed to be or how it appears.
行政
B1Administration or government.
アメリカ
A1America.
権威
B1The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, or a person with expert knowledge. Frequently used in IELTS when discussing leadership or academic expertise.
恩恵
B1A benefit or advantage derived from something. Used in IELTS for discussing the pros of technology or nature.
偏向
B2A bias, lean, or inclination toward a specific direction or ideology, often used to describe media or political views.
候補者
B2A person who is being considered for a position, an award, or an office; a candidate.
慈善
B2Help or money given to those in need; an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
育児
B2The process of caring for and raising a child from birth until they are independent.
