与党

• Reading: よとう
• Romaji: yotou
• Kanji breakdown: 与 (yo) — give, participate; 党 (tou) — party, faction
• Pronunciation: /jo.toː/

Meaning

Ruling party; governing party. The political party or coalition currently in power.

A noun referring to the political party (or coalition) that holds power and forms the government. The opposite is 野党 (opposition party). A fundamental political term constantly encountered in Japanese news and current affairs. In Japan, the 与党 has historically been the Liberal Democratic Party (自民党) for most of the postwar era, often in coalition.

Examples

1. 与党は新しい法案を提出した。 The ruling party introduced a new bill.
2. 今回の選挙で与党が過半数を維持した。 In this election, the ruling party held onto its majority.
3. 与党と野党の間で激しい議論が続いている。 Intense debate continues between the ruling party and the opposition.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, government, elections

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 与 (yo, to give/participate) + 党 (tou, party/faction). Literally 'the party that participates' — i.e. the party that participates in governing, as opposed to the opposition.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal