(けん)

けん
noun
prefecture
1. prefecture
An administrative division of Japan, similar to a state or province.
千葉県(ちばけん)()んでいます。
I live in Chiba Prefecture.
日本(にほん)には47の(けん)がある。
Japan has 47 prefectures.
Technically 43 prefectures plus Tokyo (都), Osaka/Kyoto (府), and Hokkaido (道)
県庁(けんちょう)(えき)(ちか)くにある。
The prefectural office is near the station.

(けん) is Japan's main administrative division.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:

  • (): Tokyo Metropolis
  • (どう): Hokkaido
  • (): Osaka-fu, Kyoto-fu
  • (けん): 43 prefectures

COMPOUNDS:

  • 県庁(けんちょう): prefectural office
  • 県民(けんみん): prefectural residents
  • 県立(けんりつ): prefectural (institution)