1.
government office, municipal office
A local government administrative office where citizens handle official paperwork such as resident registration, certificates, and various permits.
住民票を取りに役所へ行った。
I went to the government office to get my resident certificate.
役所の窓口は午後5時に閉まる。
The government office counter closes at 5 PM.
引っ越したら役所で届け出をしなければならない。
After moving, you must file a notification at the government office.
COMPOSITION: 役 (role, service) + 所 (place). Literally "place of service."
TYPES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
- 市役所 (city hall)
- 区役所 (ward office)
- 町役場/村役場 (town/village office)
- 県庁 (prefectural office)
COMMON PROCEDURES AT 役所:
- 住民票の発行 (issuing resident certificate)
- 戸籍謄本の取得 (obtaining family register copy)
- 転入届/転出届 (moving in/out notification)
- 印鑑登録 (seal registration)
- 婚姻届 (marriage registration)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 役所に届け出をする (to file a notification)
- 役所で手続きをする (to complete procedures)
- 役所の窓口 (government office counter)
USAGE NOTE:
役所 is the general term for local government offices. In casual conversation, 市役所 or 区役所 may be shortened to just 役所.
Related Words
Related:
市役所 (city hall)