Voting is the act of officially expressing your choice or opinion.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To cast a ballot in an election.
- To express an opinion via a voting system.
- Commonly used for both political and informal choices.
概要
「投票する」は、民主主義社会において個人の意思を公的に示す最も基本的な手段です。選挙だけでなく、アンケートや人気投票など、意見を集計する場面で広く使われます。2) 使用パターン: 通常「〜に投票する」という形で、対象となる候補者や選択肢を助詞「に」で示します。例：「候補者に投票する」「賛成に投票する」。3) 一般的な文脈: 政治的な選挙が最も代表的な文脈ですが、テレビ番組での人気投票、組織内での議決、オンライン上のアンケートなど、日常的にも頻繁に使用されます。4) 類語との比較: 「選ぶ」は単に選択する行為を指しますが、「投票する」は集計や決定を前提とした公的な手続きというニュアンスが強くなります。「一票を投じる」はより硬い表現で、選挙の際によく使われる慣用的な言い回しです。
Examples
私は好きな歌手に投票しました。
everydayI voted for my favorite singer.
国民一人ひとりが投票する権利を持っています。
formalEvery citizen has the right to vote.
どっちにする？投票で決めよう。
informalWhich one should we choose? Let's decide by voting.
住民投票の結果、計画は中止された。
academicAs a result of the referendum, the project was cancelled.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
投票率
Voter turnout
期日前投票
Early voting
電子投票
Electronic voting
Often Confused With
Means 'to choose'. It is a general term for selecting something, whereas 'tōhyō' is specifically for formal voting processes.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is neutral in register. Ensure you use the particle 'ni' to mark the candidate or option being voted for.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'o' instead of 'ni' when marking the candidate. Remember that you vote 'to' someone or something, not 'direct object' them.
Tips
Use 'ni' to indicate the target
Always use the particle 'ni' when specifying who or what you are voting for. For example, 'Kōho-sha ni tōhyō shimasu' (I will vote for the candidate).
Don't confuse with simple selection
Remember that 'tōhyō' implies a formal process. Don't use it for simply picking a snack at a store.
Voting culture in Japan
In Japan, turnout rates are a major topic of discussion. Encouraging young people to vote is a common social campaign.
Word Origin
The word consists of 'tō' (cast/throw) and 'hyō' (ballot/ticket). It literally means to cast a ballot.
Cultural Context
Voting is a central pillar of Japanese democracy. Election days are often Sundays, and you will see 'tōhyō-sho' (polling stations) set up in schools or community halls.
Memory Tip
Imagine yourself putting a paper into a box ('tōhyō-bako'). The sound 'tō' sounds like 'throw', as in throwing your vote into the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「選ぶ」は単に好みのものを選ぶという個人的な行為ですが、「投票する」は集計や結果の決定を伴う公的な手続きというニュアンスが強いです。
これは自分の価値観や考えに基づいて決めるものです。候補者の政策や主張をよく調べてから決めるのが一般的です。
はい、使えます。「投票する」の硬い表現で、特に選挙のニュースなどでよく耳にします。
最近ではネット投票やアンケート機能を使って投票する機会が増えています。
Test Yourself
私は今回の選挙で、A候補者___投票した。
投票の対象を示す場合は助詞の「に」を使います。
次のうち、正しい使い方はどれですか？
投票は対象に対して行うものであり、歌手への投票は自然な表現です。
（投票する / 決めた / 私は / 誰に / か）
「誰に投票するか」という節を目的語として使います。
Score: /3
Summary
Voting is the act of officially expressing your choice or opinion.
- To cast a ballot in an election.
- To express an opinion via a voting system.
- Commonly used for both political and informal choices.
Use 'ni' to indicate the target
Always use the particle 'ni' when specifying who or what you are voting for. For example, 'Kōho-sha ni tōhyō shimasu' (I will vote for the candidate).
Don't confuse with simple selection
Remember that 'tōhyō' implies a formal process. Don't use it for simply picking a snack at a store.
Voting culture in Japan
In Japan, turnout rates are a major topic of discussion. Encouraging young people to vote is a common social campaign.
Examples
4 of 4私は好きな歌手に投票しました。
I voted for my favorite singer.
国民一人ひとりが投票する権利を持っています。
Every citizen has the right to vote.
どっちにする？投票で決めよう。
Which one should we choose? Let's decide by voting.
住民投票の結果、計画は中止された。
As a result of the referendum, the project was cancelled.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More politics words
撤廃
B2The total abolition or removal of an established system, law, or restriction.
援助する
A2To assist; to help; to support.
訴える
A2To appeal; to sue; to complain.
容認
B2To approve, permit, or tolerate something, even if it is not ideal. It often implies a passive or reluctant acceptance of a situation.
逮捕する
A2To arrest. To seize someone by legal authority.
諮問
B2To refer a matter to an advisory body or an expert for their opinion or deliberation.
是正
B2To correct or rectify a wrong situation, inequality, or error. It is often used in official contexts like correcting social injustices or market imbalances.
腐敗
B2The decomposition of organic matter (biological) or the dishonest/fraudulent conduct by those in power (social). A common topic in IELTS essays about governance.
批判する
A2To criticize. To express disapproval of someone or something.
民主主義
A2Democracy. A system of government by the whole population.
