Japanese word

首都圏

Pronunciation

Romajishutoken

Meaning

  • nounTokyo metropolitan area

Example

首都圏では電車が便利です。shu to ken de wa den sha ga ben ri de su

Trains are convenient in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Illustration for 首都圏 (Tokyo metropolitan area)

More examples

首都圏への人口集中が続いています。shu to ken e no jin kō shū chū ga tsuzu i te i ma su

The concentration of population in the Tokyo metropolitan area continues.

Core concept

Refers to the broad area formed by a capital and the cities and communities connected to it.

Common phrases

  • 首都圏に住むshu to ken ni su mu

    live in the Tokyo metropolitan area

  • 首都圏で働くshu to ken de hatara ku

    work in the Tokyo metropolitan area

  • 首都圏へ通うshu to ken e kayo u

    commute to the Tokyo metropolitan area

Similar words

東京圏tōkyōken: A metropolitan region centered on Tokyo and its surrounding cities and communities.

Definition in Japanese

首都を中心とする都市と、その周辺に広がる地域。shu to o chū shin to su ru to shi to so no shū hen ni hiro ga ru chi iki

Word origin

首都 (shuto, "capital city") combines 首 (shu, "chief") and 都 (to, "capital city"), and 圏 (ken, "sphere or area") adds the sense of a surrounding region.

Usage tips

  • The phrase Tokyo metropolitan area describes a connected urban region, so it does not refer only to the administrative area of Tokyo.

Word lists with this word