Japanese word

交番

Pronunciation

Romajikōban

Meaning

  • nounpolice box

Example

交番で道を聞きます。kō ban de michi o ki ki ma su

I ask for directions at the police box.

Illustration for 交番 (police box)

More examples

財布を落としたので、交番に届けます。sai fu o o to shi ta no de kō ban ni todo ke ma su

I lost my wallet, so I will report it at the police box.

Core concept

A nearby place that keeps police assistance accessible for everyday local problems and questions.

Common phrases

  • 交番で聞くkō ban de ki ku

    ask at a police box

  • 交番に届けるkō ban ni todo ke ru

    report it at a police box

  • 交番の前kō ban no mae

    in front of a police box

Similar words

派出所hashutsusho: A formal term for a small police post serving a local area.

Definition in Japanese

警察官が地域の安全を守り、道案内や落とし物の相談などに応じる小さな施設。kei satsu kan ga chi iki no an zen o mamo ri dō an nai ya o to shi mono no sō dan na do ni ō ji ru chii sa na shi setsu

Word origin

The Japanese compound 交番 (kōban) joins 交 (kō, "alternate") with 番 (ban, "watch"), describing alternating duty at a police post.

Usage tips

  • In Britain, police box once referred to small police stations used for local communication, while in Japan the term commonly describes a staffed neighborhood post.

Word lists with this word