A koban is a small, neighborhood police station in Japan that serves as the first point of contact for public safety and assistance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A small police station located in neighborhoods.
- Used for reporting crimes or asking for directions.
- Essential for maintaining safety in Japanese communities.
使用パターン：日常会話では「交番に行く」「交番で聞く」といった形で使われます。道に迷ったときや、落とし物を届けたいとき、あるいは犯罪の被害に遭ったときに訪れる場所として認識されています。
- 1一般的な文脈：日本の街中を歩いていると、駅前や大きな交差点の近くで必ずと言っていいほど見かけます。治安維持だけでなく、迷子の対応や近隣トラブルの相談など、住民の生活を支えるコミュニティの一部となっています。
Examples
道に迷ったので、交番で道を聞いた。
everydayI got lost, so I asked for directions at the police box.
落とし物を拾ったので、交番に届け出た。
formalI found a lost item, so I reported it to the police box.
あそこの交番、いつも警察官がいるね。
informalThere's always a police officer at that koban, isn't there?
日本の交番制度は地域安全に大きく寄与している。
academicThe Japanese koban system contributes significantly to local safety.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
交番はどこですか？
Where is the police box?
交番に届けます
I will take it to the police box.
最寄りの交番
the nearest police box
Often Confused With
A police station (keisatsusho) is a much larger facility that covers a wider area and handles complex investigations and administrative tasks.
A residential police box (chuzaisho) is where an officer lives with their family, typically found in rural or less populated areas.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Koban is a neutral, everyday term used by all Japanese speakers. It is the standard way to refer to these small police boxes. You can use it in both formal and informal settings without sounding impolite.
Common Mistakes
Some learners might confuse it with 'police station' (keisatsusho). Remember that a koban is specifically the small building on a street corner. Don't expect to perform major legal procedures there.
Tips
Use Koban for directions
If you get lost in Japan, don't hesitate to ask a police officer at a koban. They are trained to help with directions and are very reliable.
Not for legal procedures
Remember that you cannot renew your driver's license at a koban. For administrative tasks, you must go to a larger police station or license center.
The Koban system is famous
The Japanese koban system is so effective that it has been adopted by several other countries. It is a symbol of Japan's low crime rate.
Word Origin
The word 'koban' comes from 'kōtai' (alternating) and 'ban' (watch/guard). It refers to the system where police officers take turns guarding the post.
Cultural Context
The koban is a fundamental part of Japanese society, fostering a close relationship between police and residents. It is widely credited for Japan's reputation as a safe country.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Koban' as 'Go-ban' (go to the box). When you are lost, you 'go' to the 'box' (koban) for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions道案内、落とし物の届け出、犯罪の被害届の提出などができます。また、地域の防犯に関する相談も受け付けています。
交番は地域密着型の小さな拠点ですが、警察署はより大きな管轄区域を持ち、捜査や免許更新などの専門的な手続きを行います。交番は警察署の下部組織という位置付けです。
多くの交番では警察官が交代制で勤務しており、24時間対応しています。ただし、一部の小さな交番では不在の時間帯がある場合もあります。
はい、もちろん利用できます。困ったことがあれば、近くの交番に行けば親切に対応してくれます。
Test Yourself
道がわからなかったので、近くの___で聞きました。
道案内を尋ねる場所として最も適切なのは交番です。
交番についての説明として正しいものはどれですか？
交番は地域住民の安全を守るための身近な拠点です。
（交番に / 行きました / 落とし物を / 届けに）
目的語、場所、動詞の順序が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
A koban is a small, neighborhood police station in Japan that serves as the first point of contact for public safety and assistance.
- A small police station located in neighborhoods.
- Used for reporting crimes or asking for directions.
- Essential for maintaining safety in Japanese communities.
Use Koban for directions
If you get lost in Japan, don't hesitate to ask a police officer at a koban. They are trained to help with directions and are very reliable.
Not for legal procedures
Remember that you cannot renew your driver's license at a koban. For administrative tasks, you must go to a larger police station or license center.
The Koban system is famous
The Japanese koban system is so effective that it has been adopted by several other countries. It is a symbol of Japan's low crime rate.
Examples
4 of 4道に迷ったので、交番で道を聞いた。
I got lost, so I asked for directions at the police box.
落とし物を拾ったので、交番に届け出た。
I found a lost item, so I reported it to the police box.
あそこの交番、いつも警察官がいるね。
There's always a police officer at that koban, isn't there?
日本の交番制度は地域安全に大きく寄与している。
The Japanese koban system contributes significantly to local safety.
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