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A1 noun #3,769 most common 8 min read

警官

keikan Top 3,769

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 警官 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 警官 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 警官 (keikan) is introduced as a basic noun to identify a common profession. Learners at this stage should focus on recognizing the word in simple sentences and understanding that it refers to a person in a police uniform. The goal is to be able to say things like 'That is a police officer' or 'The police officer is there.' You will often see this word accompanied by pictures of police officers in textbooks. It is a fundamental part of 'people and occupations' vocabulary. Learning this word helps you navigate a Japanese city, as you will see police officers (and the word itself) frequently. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the noun and its basic pronunciation. Remember that the 'kei' is a long vowel sound, and 'kan' is a short, crisp syllable. At this level, you can use it with the 'desu' (to be) verb to make simple identifications. For example, 'Are wa keikan desu' (That is a police officer). This is a safe, neutral word that will serve you well in any basic interaction where you need to point out or refer to a member of the police force. It's also helpful to know that in Japan, police officers are generally very helpful to tourists, so knowing the word for them is practically useful for safety and navigation.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 警官 in more functional sentences. You might describe what a police officer is doing or use the word to ask for help. For instance, you could say 'Keikan ni michi o kikimashita' (I asked a police officer for directions). Here, you are using the particle 'ni' to indicate the person you are interacting with. You should also be able to use basic adjectives to describe the officer, such as 'Shinsetsuna keikan' (A kind police officer). At this level, you should also start to distinguish between 警官 (the person) and 警察署 (keisatsusho - the police station). Understanding the difference between the person and the place is a key step in building your functional vocabulary. You might also encounter the word in simple stories or listening exercises where an officer is a character. You should be comfortable with the word in both its subject and object roles in a sentence. For example, 'Keikan ga dorobou o tsukamaemashita' (The police officer caught the thief). This level is about moving from simple identification to describing basic actions and interactions involving law enforcement. You are building the foundation for more complex situational Japanese.

At the B1 level, your use of 警官 becomes more nuanced. You can use it in complex sentences with relative clauses, such as 'Koban no mae ni tatte iru keikan' (The police officer who is standing in front of the police box). You also start to understand the social role of the 警官 in Japanese society, including the Koban system. You might discuss your opinions on safety or recount a more detailed story involving a police officer. At this stage, you should also be aware of the different registers, such as when to use 警官 versus the more polite お巡りさん (omawari-san) or the more formal 警察官 (keisatsukan). You might hear 警官 in news reports about traffic safety or community events. Your ability to use the word in the passive voice—for example, 'Keikan ni chuumoku sareta' (I was noticed by the police officer)—shows an advancing grasp of Japanese grammar. You should also be able to use the word in conditional sentences, such as 'Moshi keikan ga kitara, koto o setsumei shimasu' (If the police officer comes, I will explain the situation). This level marks the transition from basic communication to more descriptive and situational Japanese where the role of the officer is part of a larger narrative or social context.

At the B2 level, you can use 警官 to participate in discussions about law, order, and society. You might analyze the portrayal of 警官 in Japanese media or compare the Japanese policing system with that of your own country. You are expected to understand the word in more abstract contexts, such as 'Keikan no shokumu' (The duties of a police officer) or 'Keikan no kengen' (The authority of a police officer). You will encounter the word in more sophisticated texts, such as editorials or literature, where the nuance of using 警官 instead of a more formal term might be significant. Your vocabulary will also expand to include related technical terms like 職務質問 (shokumu shitsumon - questioning by police) or 巡回 (junkai - patrol). You should be able to discuss the ethics of policing or the impact of police presence in urban areas using this word. At this level, you are not just using the word to describe a person, but as a concept within the framework of Japanese law and society. You can handle hypothetical scenarios and express complex opinions about the role of the 警官 in maintaining the 'peace' (chian) of Japan. This involves a deeper understanding of both the language and the cultural expectations associated with authority figures.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 警官 is deep and culturally grounded. You can identify the subtle shifts in meaning when 警官 is used in different literary styles or historical contexts. For example, you might study the evolution of the term from the Meiji era to the present day and how the perception of the 警官 has changed in Japanese public consciousness. You can engage in high-level debates about police reform, the legal limits of a 警官's power, or the sociological implications of the Koban system. You understand the word's place within a vast web of legal and administrative terminology. You can also appreciate the word's use in idiomatic expressions or as a metaphor in sophisticated writing. At this level, you are expected to use the word with perfect grammatical accuracy in both spoken and written forms, regardless of the complexity of the sentence structure. You can also interpret the use of the word in fast-paced, native-level media, such as political debates or legal dramas, where the word might be part of a rapid-fire exchange. Your mastery of the word 警官 at this level reflects a comprehensive understanding of Japanese society and its institutional structures, allowing you to navigate even the most complex social and professional environments with confidence.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the word 警官 and its myriad associations. You can use the word with absolute precision in academic, legal, or highly specialized professional contexts. You are capable of writing a thesis or a detailed report on the history of the Japanese 警官, incorporating historical linguistics and social theory. You understand the most obscure nuances and can detect even the slightest irony or subtext when the word is used in literature or film. You are familiar with how the term 警官 interacts with other specialized vocabulary in fields like criminology, public policy, and constitutional law. Your ability to use the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, including your choice of register and your understanding of the word's emotional and social weight. You can effortlessly switch between 警官, 警察官, and more specialized titles depending on the exact requirements of the situation. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for complex intellectual expression and a key to understanding the deep structures of Japanese institutional life. You can critique the use of the term in various media and offer profound insights into its cultural significance, demonstrating a total integration of the language and its cultural context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

警官 in 30 Seconds

警官 (keikan) is the standard Japanese noun for a police officer, used to refer to an individual member of the force in a neutral and objective way.
It differs from 警察 (keisatsu), which refers to the organization, and お巡りさん (omawari-san), which is a friendlier, more colloquial term for an officer.
The word is highly common in daily life, news, and media, reflecting the high visibility of police officers in Japanese urban environments and Koban boxes.
Grammatically, it is a simple noun that can be used as a subject, object, or modified by adjectives to describe various law enforcement scenarios.

The word 警官 (けいかん - keikan) is the standard Japanese noun for a police officer. It is a compound word formed from two kanji characters: 警 (kei), which means to guard, warn, or admonish, and 官 (kan), which signifies a government official or a person in authority. Together, they describe an individual whose profession is to uphold the law and maintain public order. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, 警官 serves as a neutral, descriptive term that is appropriate for most social situations, whether you are speaking to a friend, writing a formal report, or watching a news broadcast. It refers specifically to the individual person rather than the organization as a whole, which is called 警察 (keisatsu).

Grammatical Category: Noun (Common Noun). It does not change form for pluralization, as Japanese nouns are generally invariant.
Register and Nuance: Neutral to Formal. While children might use the more affectionate term 'O-mawari-san,' adults use 'Keikan' to refer to the profession objectively.

道で警官に道を尋ねました。(I asked a police officer for directions on the street.)

In Japan, police officers are highly visible due to the 'Koban' (police box) system. Because of this, the word 警官 is frequently used in daily life. You might hear it when someone is describing a scene they witnessed or when a news anchor reports on a specific incident. It is important to distinguish 警官 from 警察官 (keisatsukan), which is the more formal, official title used in legal documents and official introductions. For a learner, 警官 is the most versatile term to memorize first because it is concise and universally understood without being overly stiff or too childish.

あの警官はとても親切でした。(That police officer was very kind.)

Social Context: Japanese police officers are often seen as community helpers. Therefore, 警官 carries a connotation of safety and assistance rather than just enforcement.

将来、警官になりたいです。(I want to become a police officer in the future.)

Using 警官 in a sentence requires an understanding of Japanese particles and common verb pairings. Since 警官 is a person, it often acts as the subject (using が or は) or the object (using を) of a sentence. It can also be the target of an action (using に), such as when you talk *to* an officer or report something *to* them. Because the word is a noun, it can be modified by adjectives like 若い (wakai - young), 厳しい (kibishii - strict), or 親切な (shinsetsu na - kind).

Subject Marker (が/は): 警官が泥棒を追いかけています。(The police officer is chasing the thief.)
Object Marker (を): 昨日、街で警官を見ました。(I saw a police officer in town yesterday.)

困ったときは、警官に相談してください。(When you are in trouble, please consult a police officer.)

In more complex sentences, 警官 can be part of a relative clause. For example, 'The police officer who was standing there' becomes 'あそこに立っていた警官' (Asoko ni tatte ita keikan). This structure is vital for descriptive storytelling or reporting incidents accurately. Additionally, when discussing the number of officers, Japanese uses the counter 人 (nin). So, 'three police officers' would be 警官が三人 (keikan ga sannin). Understanding these numerical and descriptive nuances allows learners to move beyond simple identification to more detailed communication.

二人の警官がパトロールをしています。(Two police officers are patrolling.)

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with 警官 include 呼ぶ (yobu - to call), 尋ねる (tazuneru - to ask), and 捕まえる (tsukamaeru - to catch, though usually the officer is the subject here).

The word 警官 is ubiquitous in Japanese media and daily life. If you are watching a Japanese detective drama (known as 'keiji dorama'), you will hear this word constantly. Characters will refer to uniform-wearing officers as 警官 to distinguish them from plainclothes detectives (keiji). On the evening news, reporters use 警官 when describing the actions of individual officers at a crime scene or during a traffic accident. It is the standard term for journalistic reporting because it is objective and professional.

ニュースで警官の活躍が報じられました。(The active role of the police officer was reported on the news.)

In urban areas, especially near large train stations or major intersections, you might hear public announcements or see signs where the word 警官 appears. For instance, a sign might say '警官巡回中' (Keikan junkai-chu), meaning 'Police officers are currently on patrol.' This serves as a deterrent to crime and a reassurance to the public. In literature, particularly in mystery novels (suiri shousetsu), authors use 警官 to build the setting and describe the interactions between the protagonist and the law enforcement system.

駅の前に警官が立っています。(A police officer is standing in front of the station.)

Interestingly, in anime and manga, the portrayal of 警官 can range from the serious and heroic to the comedic and bumbling. Regardless of the tone, the word itself remains the primary identifier. For a learner, recognizing this word in these various contexts—from the gravity of a news report to the lightheartedness of a comedy—is key to understanding the multifaceted role the police play in Japanese society.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 警官 (keikan) with 警察 (keisatsu). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 警察 refers to the police *organization* or the *police force* as an entity. 警官 refers to the *individual person* who is an officer. For example, if you want to say 'Call the police,' you should say '警察を呼んで' (Keisatsu o yonde). If you want to say 'That man is a police officer,' you say 'あの人は警官です' (Ano hito wa keikan desu). Using the organization name to refer to a person can sound unnatural or overly abstract.

Incorrect: 彼は警察です。(He is the police force.)
Correct: 彼は警官です。(He is a police officer.)

Another mistake is the overuse of the word 警官 when addressing an officer directly. In English, it is common to say 'Excuse me, Officer.' In Japanese, saying 'すみません、警官！' (Sumimasen, keikan!) sounds blunt and slightly rude. It is much better to use 'すみません、お巡りさん' (Sumimasen, omawari-san) or, if you know their rank, 'すみません、巡査部長' (Sumimasen, junsa-buchou). Using the job title as a direct vocative is less common in Japanese social etiquette than it is in English.

Confusing Kanji: Don't confuse the '官' (official) in 警官 with '館' (building) in 警察署 (police station). One is a person, the other is a place.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 警官 is a neutral term. While it's not 'bad,' using it in a very formal legal context might be less precise than using 警察官 (keisatsukan). Conversely, using it in a very casual setting among friends might feel a bit stiff compared to 'omawari-san' or even just 'police' (porisu). Matching the word to the level of formality of your conversation is a skill that comes with practice.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 警官, each with its own specific nuance and context. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most common alternative is 警察官 (keisatsukan), which is simply a more formal version of 警官. It is used in official capacities, such as when an officer introduces themselves or in legal documents. Another very frequent term is お巡りさん (omawari-san), which comes from the verb 'mawaru' (to go around/patrol). This is a polite and friendly way to refer to or address a police officer, especially those stationed at a local Koban.

警察官 (Keisatsukan): The full, official title. Used in formal writing, news reports, and legal contexts.
お巡りさん (O-mawari-san): Polite and colloquial. Used by children, families, and when addressing an officer directly with kindness.

あそこにお巡りさんがいますよ。(There is a police officer over there—friendly tone.)

Then there is 刑事 (keiji), which means 'detective.' While all keiji are technically police officers, not all keikan are keiji. 刑事 typically wear suits rather than uniforms and are involved in criminal investigations. You also have 警備員 (keibi-in), which refers to a private security guard. While they may wear uniforms that look similar to 警官, they do not have the same legal authority. Confusing a security guard for a police officer is a common mistake for tourists, so knowing the difference in terminology is practically useful.

刑事が事件の現場に到着しました。(The detective arrived at the scene of the incident.)

Finally, you might occasionally hear 'Porisu' (ポリス), the loanword from English. This is used mostly in a stylistic sense, such as in the names of pop culture groups or in very casual, modern slang. However, for everyday communication, sticking to 警官 or お巡りさん is your best bet for clarity and cultural appropriateness.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the Meiji era, Japan didn't have 'keikan.' They had 'machi-bugyou' and 'doushin' who performed similar duties in the Edo period. The word 'keikan' was a deliberate choice to sound modern and professional.

Pronunciation Guide

UK keɪ.kæn

US keɪ.kɑːn

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'keikan,' the pitch usually starts high on 'kei' and drops on 'kan' (Atamadaka-gata).

Rhymes With

Seikan (星間 - interstellar) Meikan (名鑑 - directory) Teikan (定款 - articles of incorporation) Heikan (閉館 - closing of a building) Reikan (霊感 - inspiration/sixth sense) Geikan (迎官 - welcoming official) Keikan (景観 - landscape) Eikan (栄冠 - crown of glory)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kei' as 'ki' (short i). It must be a long 'e' sound.
Pronouncing 'kan' like 'khan' with too much breath.
Incorrectly stressing the second syllable.
Confusing the vowel length of 'kei' with 'ke' (short e).
Merging the 'n' sound into the 'ka' without a distinct nasal finish.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The kanji are relatively common and taught early.

Writing 2/5

The kanji '警' has many strokes and requires practice.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 1/5

Very common word in media, easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

人 (Hito - Person) 仕事 (Shigoto - Job) 道 (Michi - Road/Way) 見る (Miru - To see) 助ける (Tasukeru - To help)

Learn Next

警察署 (Keisatsusho - Police Station) 泥棒 (Dorobou - Thief) 逮捕 (Taiho - Arrest) 事件 (Jiken - Incident/Case) 法律 (Houritsu - Law)

Advanced

職務質問 (Shokumu shitsumon - Police questioning) 執行猶予 (Shikkou yuuyo - Probation) 捜査令状 (Sousa reijou - Search warrant) 現場検証 (Genba kenshou - On-site investigation) 公務執行妨害 (Koumu shikkou bougai - Obstruction of justice)

Grammar to Know

Using 'ni' with verbs of interaction (asking, giving).

警官に聞きました。

The '-te iru' form for ongoing actions.

警官が走っています。

Relative clauses modifying nouns.

あそこにいる警官。

Passive voice for being acted upon.

警官に止められた。

Counters for people (-nin).

警官が五人います。

Examples by Level

彼は警官です。

He is a police officer.

Basic 'A wa B desu' (A is B) structure.

あそこに警官がいます。

There is a police officer over there.

Using 'ga imasu' to indicate the existence of a person.

警官は親切です。

The police officer is kind.

Adjective 'shinsetsu' (kind) modifying the subject.

これは警官の帽子です。

This is the police officer's hat.

Using the possessive particle 'no'.

警官を見ました。

I saw a police officer.

Direct object marked with 'o'.

警官が二人います。

There are two police officers.

Using the counter 'nin' for people.

あの人は警官ですか？

Is that person a police officer?

Question particle 'ka' at the end.

警官になりたいです。

I want to become a police officer.

Using 'ni naritai' (want to become).

警官に道を教えてもらいました。

I had the police officer tell me the way.

Using 'te morau' for receiving a favor.

若い警官が走っています。

A young police officer is running.

Adjective 'wakai' modifying 'keikan'.

警官が泥棒を追いかけています。

The police officer is chasing the thief.

Present continuous '-te iru' form.

駅の前に警官が立っていました。

A police officer was standing in front of the station.

Past continuous '-te imashita' form.

警官に財布を届けました。

I delivered the wallet to the police officer.

Particle 'ni' indicating the recipient.

警官は白いバイクに乗っています。

The police officer is riding a white motorcycle.

Particle 'ni' used with 'noru' (to ride).

警官から話を聞きました。

I heard the story from the police officer.

Particle 'kara' indicating the source.

あの警官は英語が話せます。

That police officer can speak English.

Potential verb form 'hanaseru'.

パトカーから警官が降りてきました。

A police officer got out of the patrol car.

Compound verb 'orite kuru' (come down/out).

警官に職務質問をされました。

I was questioned by a police officer.

Passive voice 'sareta'.

警官は事件の現場を調べています。

The police officer is investigating the scene of the incident.

Verb 'shiraberu' (investigate/check).

多くの警官が祭りの警備をしています。

Many police officers are providing security for the festival.

Noun 'keibi' (security) used with 'suru'.

警官のおかげで、迷子が見つかりました。

Thanks to the police officer, the lost child was found.

Using 'okage de' (thanks to).

警官になるための試験は難しいです。

The exam to become a police officer is difficult.

Using 'tame no' (for the purpose of).

警官は市民の安全を守るのが仕事です。

A police officer's job is to protect the safety of citizens.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.

警官が来たので、喧嘩が止まりました。

Because the police officer came, the fight stopped.

Using 'node' to indicate cause.

非番の警官が偶然その場に居合わせました。

An off-duty police officer happened to be present at the scene.

Compound verb 'iawaseru' (be present by chance).

警官の素早い対応が称賛されています。

The police officer's quick response is being praised.

Passive voice 'shousan sarete iru'.

警官は慎重に証拠を集め始めました。

The police officer began to collect evidence carefully.

Verb stem + 'hajimeru' (start to).

警官による交通規制が行われています。

Traffic regulation by police officers is being carried out.

Using 'ni yoru' (by means of/due to).

彼は警官としての誇りを持っています。

He has pride as a police officer.

Using 'toshite' (as/in the capacity of).

警官が犯人を説得しようとしています。

The police officer is trying to persuade the culprit.

Volitional form + 'tosuru' (try to).

その警官は十年のキャリアを持つベテランです。

That police officer is a veteran with a ten-year career.

Using 'motsu' (to have/possess) in a relative clause.

警官の指示に従って、避難してください。

Please evacuate according to the police officer's instructions.

Using 'ni shitagatte' (according to/following).

警官の不祥事がメディアで大きく取り上げられました。

Misconduct by a police officer was extensively covered by the media.

Noun 'fushouji' (misconduct/scandal).

警官の裁量権については議論の余地があります。

There is room for debate regarding the discretionary power of police officers.

Using 'giron no yochi' (room for debate).

その警官は、冷徹な判断力で危機を回避しました。

The police officer avoided the crisis with cool-headed judgment.

Adjective 'reitetsu na' (cool-headed/composed).

警官と住民の信頼関係を構築することが不可欠です。

Building a relationship of trust between police officers and residents is essential.

Using 'fukaketsu' (indispensable/essential).

警官は常に、法と秩序の番人としての自覚が求められます。

Police officers are always required to be aware of their role as guardians of law and order.

Using 'jikaku' (self-awareness/consciousness).

過酷な任務に従事する警官のメンタルヘルスが懸念されています。

The mental health of police officers engaged in harsh missions is a concern.

Verb 'juuji suru' (to be engaged in).

警官の装備は、技術の進歩とともに進化してきました。

Police officers' equipment has evolved along with technological progress.

Using 'tomo ni' (along with).

警官が現場に到着したときには、既に犯人の姿はありませんでした。

By the time the police officer arrived at the scene, the culprit was already gone.

Using 'toki ni wa' (by the time/when).

警官という職能が内包する暴力の独占について考察する。

I will examine the monopoly on violence inherent in the function of a police officer.

Using 'naihou suru' (to involve/contain inherently).

近代国家における警官の役割は、単なる治安維持に留まらない。

The role of the police officer in a modern state is not limited to mere maintenance of public order.

Using 'ni todomaranai' (not limited to).

警官の倫理観が揺らぐとき、法治国家の根幹が脅かされる。

When the ethics of police officers waver, the very foundation of a constitutional state is threatened.

Using 'konkan' (root/foundation).

文学作品における警官の造形は、時代の権力構造を反映している。

The portrayal of police officers in literary works reflects the power structures of the era.

Using 'zoukei' (portrayal/molding).

警官の執務態度が、市民の司法に対する評価を左右する。

The working attitude of police officers influences the citizens' evaluation of the judiciary.

Using 'sayuu suru' (to influence/control).

匿名性の高い都市空間において、警官の存在は心理的な抑止力となる。

In highly anonymous urban spaces, the presence of police officers acts as a psychological deterrent.

Using 'yokushiryoku' (deterrent).

警官の殉職という悲劇を繰り返さないための抜本的な対策が必要だ。

Drastic measures are needed to prevent the recurrence of the tragedy of police officers dying in the line of duty.

Using 'bapponteki' (drastic/radical).

警官の権限行使における適法性は、厳格に担保されなければならない。

The legality in the exercise of a police officer's authority must be strictly guaranteed.

Using 'tanpo sareru' (to be guaranteed/secured).

Synonyms

警察官お巡りさん巡査警保ポリ公

Antonyms

犯人犯罪者

Common Collocations

警官を呼ぶ

警官に尋ねる

警官が巡回する

警官を志す

警官の制服

偽の警官

警官隊

私服警官

警官の不祥事

警官を配置する

Common Phrases

警官に捕まる

— To be caught or arrested by a police officer.

スピード違反で警官に捕まった。

警官の目

— The watchful eye of the police; surveillance.

警官の目を盗んで逃げ出した。

警官の鏡

— A model police officer; an example of excellence.

彼は正義感が強く、警官の鏡だ。

警官の仕事

— The work or duty of a police officer.

それは警官の仕事ではありません。

警官が来る

— The arrival of a police officer (often implies a change in the situation).

警官が来ると、騒ぎが収まった。

警官に相談する

— To consult with or report a problem to a police officer.

ストーカー被害を警官に相談した。

警官の手を借りる

— To seek the assistance of a police officer.

警官の手を借りて迷子を探した。

警官を装う

— To impersonate or pretend to be a police officer.

犯人は警官を装って家に侵入した。

警官の誘導

— Guidance or direction provided by a police officer.

警官の誘導に従って車を止めた。

警官による捜索

— A search conducted by police officers.

警官による大規模な捜索が行われた。

Often Confused With

警官 vs 警察 (Keisatsu)

Keisatsu is the organization; Keikan is the person. You call the Keisatsu, but you talk to a Keikan.

警官 vs 景観 (Keikan)

Same pronunciation, but means 'scenery.' Context usually prevents confusion.

警官 vs 警備員 (Keibi-in)

A security guard. They have uniforms but different powers than a Keikan.

Idioms & Expressions

"警官の鉄拳"

— Strict and forceful enforcement of the law, like an 'iron fist.'

犯罪組織に対して警官の鉄拳が下された。

Literary

"警官の目は節穴ではない"

— Police officers are observant; they don't miss things (literally: their eyes aren't knotholes).

隠しても無駄だ。警官の目は節穴ではない。

Colloquial

"警官を盾にする"

— To use the police as a shield or protection from responsibility.

彼は自分の非を認めず、警官を盾にしている。

Metaphorical

"警官泣かせ"

— Something that is very difficult even for a police officer to handle.

この複雑な事件は警官泣かせだ。

Colloquial

"警官の威光"

— The prestige or authority of the police.

警官の威光を借りて威張る。

Formal

"警官の勘"

— A police officer's intuition or 'hunch.'

警官の勘で、彼は嘘をついていると分かった。

General

"警官の仮面"

— A person pretending to be an officer or an officer hiding their true feelings.

彼は警官の仮面を被った悪党だ。

Literary

"警官の網"

— The police dragnet; the system of catching criminals.

ついに犯人が警官の網にかかった。

Journalistic

"警官の卵"

— A police trainee or someone studying to become an officer.

彼はまだ警官の卵だが、熱意はある。

Colloquial

"警官の詰め所"

— A place where officers gather (often used to refer to the Koban).

駅前の警官の詰め所に寄る。

Old-fashioned

Easily Confused

警官 vs 刑事 (Keiji)

Both work for the police.

Keikan usually wear uniforms and do patrol/traffic work. Keiji are detectives who work on criminal cases in plain clothes.

警官はパトロールをし、刑事は捜査をします。

警官 vs 巡査 (Junsa)

Both refer to officers.

Keikan is the general word for the job. Junsa is a specific rank (the lowest rank in the Japanese police).

彼は警官で、階級は巡査です。

警官 vs 看守 (Kanshu)

Both are authority figures in uniform.

Keikan work in the community. Kanshu work specifically in prisons as guards.

刑務所には看守がいます。

警官 vs 消防士 (Shouboushi)

Both are first responders in uniform.

Keikan handle crime and order. Shouboushi handle fires and medical emergencies.

火事のときは消防士を呼びます。

警官 vs 検察官 (Kensatsukan)

Sounds similar (starts with 'ken', ends with 'kan').

Keikan are police officers. Kensatsukan are prosecutors who take cases to court.

検察官が裁判で話します。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] wa keikan desu.

父は警官です。

Keikan ni [Noun] o morau/kiku.

警官に地図をもらいました。

[Verb-te] iru keikan ga [Action].

立っている警官が笑いました。

Keikan toshite no [Noun].

警官としての責任。

Keikan no [Noun] ga mondai ni naru.

警官の対応が問題になる。

Keikan ni yoru [Noun] no koushi.

警官による権力の行使。

Keikan ga [Number] nin imasu.

警官が三人います。

Keikan ni [Verb-te] kureru.

警官が助けてくれました。

Word Family

Nouns

警察 (Keisatsu - Police Force)

警察署 (Keisatsusho - Police Station)

警備 (Keibi - Security)

警報 (Keihou - Warning/Alarm)

Verbs

警戒する (Keikai suru - To be on guard)

警告する (Keikoku suru - To warn)

警護する (Keigo suru - To escort/guard)

Adjectives

警察的な (Keisatsuteki na - Police-like)

警備の (Keibi no - Relating to security)

交番 (Koban - Police Box)

パトカー (Patokaa - Patrol Car)

逮捕 (Taiho - Arrest)

治安 (Chian - Public Peace)

法律 (Houritsu - Law)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Keisatsu' to mean 'Police Officer.' → Keikan / Keisatsukan
Saying 'He is a police' (Kare wa keisatsu desu) sounds like you are saying he is the entire organization. Always use 'keikan' for the individual.
Calling an officer 'Keikan!' to get their attention. → Sumimasen! / O-mawari-san!
Directly using the job title as a name is considered rude in Japan. Use 'Excuse me' or the polite 'O-mawari-san.'
Confusing 'Keikan' with 'Keiji.' → Use 'Keikan' for uniform, 'Keiji' for suits.
If you see an officer in a blue uniform on a bike, they are a 'Keikan.' If they are in a suit investigating a murder, they are a 'Keiji.'
Misspelling the kanji 警. → 警 (敬 + 言)
Often people forget the '言' (word) part at the bottom. Remember that warnings are spoken with words.
Using 'Keikan' in a formal legal document. → Keisatsukan
While 'Keikan' is okay for speech, 'Keisatsukan' is the legal term required for official paperwork.

Tips

The Koban Connection

If you are lost in Japan, look for the 'Koban' sign. The 警官 there are trained to help you with maps and directions. It's one of the most common ways foreigners interact with them.

Don't Forget the Particle

When you talk to an officer, use the particle 'ni' (警官に). When the officer does something, use 'ga' (警官が). This clarity is vital for being understood.

Person vs. Place

Always remember: 警官 is the human, 警察署 is the building. You go to the 警察署 to see a 警官.

The Long 'E'

Make sure to hold the 'ei' in 'Keikan' for two beats. If it's too short, it might sound like a different word.

Politeness Matters

Japanese police value politeness. Using 'O-mawari-san' or 'Keisatsukan' shows that you respect their role and the local culture.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'Kei' (警) is complex. Break it down into parts: 敬 (respect) and 言 (word). Think of it as 'respectful words' used to warn people.

Watch Dramas

Watch Japanese police dramas to hear how different characters use 'Keikan,' 'Keisatsukan,' and 'Keiji.' It's a great way to learn the nuances of register.

Reporting Loss

If you lose your passport, the first thing you do is find a 警官. They will help you fill out a 'Ishitsubutsu-todoke' (lost property report).

Job Titles

If you want to say someone 'is' a police officer, 'Keikan desu' is perfectly fine. It's the standard way to state a profession.

Police Mascots

Many Japanese police departments have cute mascots (like Pipo-kun in Tokyo). You might see them on posters alongside the word 警官.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'KEI' (K-car) that a 'KAN' (can-do) official drives to 'KEI-p' (keep) the peace.

Visual Association

Visualize a Japanese police officer standing next to a blue and white Koban, holding a 'KAN' of coffee while 'KEI-ping' watch.

Word Web

Police Uniform Koban Law Patrol Safety Handcuffs Badge

Challenge

Try to find three different 'Koban' in your city (if in Japan) and identify the 'keikan' standing there. If not in Japan, look for 'keikan' in a Japanese movie.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). The character '警' (kei) means 'to warn' or 'to guard,' and '官' (kan) means 'government official.' It was popularized during the Meiji period as Japan modernized its legal and administrative systems based on Western models.

Original meaning: A government official whose duty is to keep watch and warn of danger.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Always use 'O-mawari-san' when talking to children about police to avoid sounding too scary or formal.

In English, 'cop' can be slightly informal or even derogatory, but 'keikan' is always neutral. 'Officer' is the closest equivalent in terms of respect.

Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kouen-mae Hashitsujo (Manga/Anime featuring a famous keikan) Taiyou ni Hoero! (Famous Japanese police drama) Police Story (Though Hong Kong, very popular in Japan)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Asking for directions

警官に道を聞く
すみません、お巡りさん
駅はどこですか？
地図を見せてください

Reporting a lost item

財布を落としました
遺失届を出したいです
警官に相談する
ここで見ました

Witnessing a crime

警官を呼んで！
泥棒だ！
あっちへ逃げました
犯人を見ました

Traffic accidents

事故がありました
警官が来ました
怪我人はいませんか？
警察を呼んでください

Career discussions

警官になりたい
試験を受けます
大変な仕事です
正義感があります

Conversation Starters

"将来、警官になりたいと思ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever thought about becoming a police officer in the future?)"

"あなたの国では、警官はどのような制服を着ていますか？ (In your country, what kind of uniforms do police officers wear?)"

"昨日、駅の近くでたくさんの警官を見ましたが、何かあったのでしょうか？ (I saw many police officers near the station yesterday; I wonder if something happened?)"

"警官に道を尋ねたとき、とても親切に教えてくれました。 (When I asked a police officer for directions, they were very kind.)"

"日本の警官とあなたの国の警官、何か違いはありますか？ (Are there any differences between Japanese police officers and those in your country?)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が一日だけ警官になったら、何をしたいですか？ (If you became a police officer for just one day, what would you want to do?)

街で警官を見かけたときの気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about how you feel when you see a police officer in town.)

あなたが知っている有名な警官のキャラクターについて説明してください。 (Explain a famous police officer character that you know.)

日本の「交番」システムのメリットとデメリットについて考えてください。 (Think about the pros and cons of Japan's 'Koban' system.)

警察官という仕事の重要性について、あなたの意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on the importance of the job of a police officer.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Keikan is a shorter, more general term for a police officer used in everyday conversation. Keisatsukan is the full, formal, and official title. For example, on a business card or in a legal document, you would see 'Keisatsukan.' In a casual chat, 'Keikan' is more common.

It is not recommended. It sounds a bit like calling a doctor 'Doctor!' or a teacher 'Teacher!' without any respect. It is much better to say 'O-mawari-san' or 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me). If you know their rank or name, use that.

No, adults use it too! It is a very polite and common way to refer to local officers. It creates a friendly atmosphere. However, in a serious report or a formal setting, you should stick to 'Keikan' or 'Keisatsukan.'

They do many things: they give directions to lost people, handle lost and found items, take reports of minor crimes, and patrol the local area on bicycles or on foot. They are very much part of the neighborhood community.

Yes, Japanese police officers carry a handgun, a baton, and handcuffs as part of their standard equipment. However, the use of firearms is extremely rare in Japan, and they are trained heavily in non-lethal martial arts like Judo and Kendo.

You should say 'Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!' (Please call the police!). In this case, you use 'Keisatsu' (the organization) rather than 'Keikan' (the individual).

It literally means 'female police officer.' However, this term is becoming less common as the neutral 'Josei Keisatsukan' (female police officer) or simply 'Keisatsukan' is preferred to ensure gender equality in the workplace.

Yes, very much so! From 'Detective Conan' to 'Psycho-Pass,' the word 'Keikan' or 'Keisatsukan' is used frequently to describe the characters' professions and the world they live in.

Bicycles allow officers to navigate narrow Japanese streets quickly and quietly. It also makes them more accessible to the public compared to being inside a patrol car, which fits the community-policing model of Japan.

Yes, 'Keikan' is a gender-neutral term. It can refer to any police officer regardless of their gender.