衆議院

• Reading: しゅうぎいん
• Romaji: shuugiin
• Kanji breakdown: 衆 (shuu) — masses, many people; 議 (gi) — deliberation, discussion; 院 (in) — institution, chamber
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.ɡi.iɴ/

Meaning

House of Representatives. The lower house of Japan's bicameral National Diet (parliament).

A noun referring to the lower and more powerful chamber of the Japanese parliament. Members serve four-year terms but the house can be dissolved early by the Prime Minister. The 衆議院 has supremacy over the 参議院 in budget decisions and treaty ratification. Frequently in the news during elections and political crises.

Examples

1. 衆議院が解散されて、総選挙が行われることになった。 The House of Representatives was dissolved and a general election is to be held.
2. 衆議院は予算の議決で参議院より優越権を持つ。 The House of Representatives has supremacy over the House of Councillors in budget decisions.
3. 彼は衆議院議員として地元のために活動している。 He is active as a member of the House of Representatives, working for his local community.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, government

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 衆 (shuu, masses/many people) + 議 (gi, deliberation) + 院 (in, institution/chamber). Literally 'the chamber where the masses deliberate.'

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal