外務省

• Reading: がいむしょう
• Romaji: gaimushou
• Kanji breakdown: 外 (gai) — outside, foreign; 務 (mu) — duties, affairs; 省 (shou) — ministry, department
• Pronunciation: /ɡa.i.mɯ.ɕoː/

Meaning

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese government ministry responsible for diplomacy and international relations.

A compound noun: 外務 (foreign affairs) + 省 (ministry). One of the major ministries of the Japanese government, responsible for diplomatic policy, treaties, passports, and protecting Japanese nationals abroad. Often appears in news about international relations.

Examples

1. 外務省は渡航先の安全情報を定期的に更新している。 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly updates travel safety information for destinations abroad.
2. パスポートの申請に関する問い合わせは外務省に連絡してください。 Please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for inquiries about passport applications.
3. 外務省の報道官が記者会見で声明を発表した。 A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson issued a statement at a press conference.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, government

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 外 (gai, outside/foreign) + 務 (mu, duties/affairs) + 省 (shou, ministry/department). Established during the Meiji period as part of Japan's modern government structure.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal