# prefecture

/ˈpɹiˌfɛktʃɝ/ (US) · /pɹˈiːfɛktʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prefecture
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. administrative region

noun · CEFR B2

a large area of a country that has its own local government, similar to a state or a province.

For teachers: a primary subnational administrative division, particularly used as the standard English translation for Japanese 'ken' or French 'préfecture'.

- Kyoto is a famous prefecture in Japan that many tourists visit for its history.
- The central government allocated additional funding to the northern prefecture to assist with infrastructure repairs after the heavy flooding.

Usage: Often used with the name of the region, such as 'Osaka Prefecture' or 'the prefecture of police'.

Teaching tip: While 'province' is a general term, 'prefecture' is the specific technical term used when discussing the geography of Japan or the administrative offices of France.

### 2. office or rank

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the job, rank, or office of a prefect.

For teachers: the office, term of study, or official status held by a prefect.

- He was proud to reach the rank of prefecture during his final year at the academy.
- The duties associated with the prefecture included overseeing student discipline and organizing formal house events.

Usage: In this sense, it refers to the abstract position rather than a physical place.

## Examples

- Kyoto is a famous prefecture in Japan.
- The governor of the prefecture announced new funding for public transportation across the district.
- While the central government sets national policy, each prefecture maintains significant autonomy over regional infrastructure and educational standards.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.