交番

• Reading: こうばん
• Romaji: kouban
• Kanji breakdown: 交 (kou) — cross, alternate; 番 (ban) — watch, guard, turn
• Pronunciation: /koː.baɴ/

Meaning

Police box; koban. A small neighbourhood police station unique to Japan.

A noun meaning police box, a uniquely Japanese institution. These small police stations are found on street corners throughout Japan, staffed by one or two officers. They handle directions, lost property, minor incidents, and community safety. The koban system has been adopted by other countries as a model for community policing.

Examples

1. 道に迷ったら交番で聞いてください。 If you get lost, please ask at the police box.
2. 交番のおまわりさんはとても親切です。 The police officer at the koban is very kind.
3. 財布を拾って交番に届けました。 I found a wallet and turned it in at the police box.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, safety, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 交 (alternating) and 番 (watch, guard). The name refers to the system of officers taking turns on watch duty at the station.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal