首都

• Reading: しゅと
• Romaji: shuto
• Kanji breakdown: 首 (shu/kubi) — head, chief; 都 (to/miyako) — capital, metropolis
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.to/

Meaning

Capital city; metropolis. The city where the national government is located.

The standard word for a nation's capital city. Tokyo is the de facto capital of Japan, though interestingly there is no law officially designating it as such. Commonly used in geography, politics, and international news.

Examples

1. 東京は日本の首都だ。 Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
2. フランスの首都はパリとして知られている。 The capital of France is known as Paris.
3. 首都には多くの政府機関が集まっている。 Many government agencies are concentrated in the capital.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, politics, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 首 (shu, head/chief) and 都 (to, capital/metropolis). Literally 'head capital,' emphasising the primary status of a nation's main city.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal