How to say "counsel" in Japanese

• 助言じょげんJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers 'counsel' in its most general sense: advice, guidance, or a suggestion offered to someone facing a problem or decision, whether sought from a friend, colleague, or specialist.
  コーチが助言じょげんをしてくれた。↗

  The coach gave me some advice.
• 勧告かんこくJLPT N1approx.Common
  suru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveAdvice or counsel given with the weight of authority, typically by an official body or panel; nearer to a formal recommendation or admonition than to a friendly suggestion.
  人ひとに自分じぶんの勧告かんこくが理由りゆうのあるものであり、賢明けんめいであることを説得せっとくするためには、理由りゆうを挙あげ、知しられた例れいや大家おおやを引用いんようしなければならない。↗

  To persuade somebody that your recommendation is reasonable and wise, you have to give reasons and quote known examples and authorities.
• 弁護人べんごにんCommon
  nounThe legal sense of 'counsel': the lawyer who acts as defender for an accused person in court. It names a person, not the act of giving advice.
  ホワイト氏しが彼かれの弁護人べんごにんとして出廷しゅっていした。↗

  Mr White appeared for him in court.
• 進言しんげんCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCounsel directed upward: advice or a proposal offered to a superior, as when a subordinate or adviser suggests a course of action to a boss or leader.
• 合議ごうぎJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb'Counsel' here means joint deliberation: consultation and discussion among several people toward a decision. If you mean giving someone advice, this is seldom the word you want.

Choose 助言 for advice in general, 勧告 for formal, authoritative recommendations, 進言 for advice given to a superior, 弁護人 for a defense lawyer in court, and 合議 only for joint deliberation.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 助言じょげんadvice
• 勧告かんこくadvice
• 弁護人べんごにんcounsel
• 進言しんげんadvice (to a superior)
• 合議ごうぎconsultation
• 輔弼ほひつgiving the Emperor advice on affairs of state
• 相談に乗るそうだんにのるto give advice
• 諫めいさめremonstrance