# Tokyo

/ˈtoʊkiˌoʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tokyo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the city

noun · CEFR A1

the capital city of Japan, known for its modern buildings and large population.

For teachers: the capital and largest city of Japan, situated on Tokyo Bay.

- Tokyo is a very busy city with many trains and bright lights.
- Tokyo serves as the economic and cultural hub of Japan, attracting millions of international tourists every year.

### 2. the Japanese government

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the government of Japan.

For teachers: a metonym for the Japanese government or its official policies.

- Tokyo announced new rules for trade with other countries today.
- Tokyo has expressed concern regarding the recent fluctuations in the regional currency market, signaling a potential intervention.

Usage: Used in news and political contexts to represent the national leadership rather than the physical city.

## Examples

- Tokyo is a very modern and exciting city.
- Many international companies have their main Asian offices in Tokyo because of its strong economy.
- As a global megacity, Tokyo seamlessly blends futuristic technology and high-density urban living with deeply rooted traditional customs and historic shrines.

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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.