Translation guide
A Buddhist precept that forbids drinking alcohol. In Japanese, this is most commonly referred to as 不飲酒戒 (ふおんじゅかい), one of the Five Precepts for lay Buddhists. The concept is also expressed through related terms like 飲酒戒 (おんじゅかい) or simply 酒戒 (しゅかい).
Referring to the Buddhist rule against consuming alcohol, especially as one of the Five Precepts (五戒).
The standard term for the precept against drinking alcohol. Literally 'no-drinking-alcohol precept'. Used in formal Buddhist contexts.
不飲酒戒は五戒の一つです。
The precept against consuming alcohol is one of the Five Precepts.
A shorter form meaning 'alcohol precept'. Also common, but slightly less precise than 不飲酒戒.
飲酒戒を守ることは難しいと感じる人もいます。
Some people find it difficult to observe the precept against alcohol.
An even shorter term, literally 'alcohol precept'. Used in Buddhist contexts, but can be ambiguous without context.
酒戒は在家信者にも課せられます。
The alcohol precept is also imposed on lay believers.
Describing the practice or vow of not drinking alcohol in accordance with Buddhist teachings.
Literally 'no drinking alcohol'. Refers to the practice of abstaining from alcohol, often as part of Buddhist discipline.
彼は不飲酒の誓いを立てた。
He took a vow to abstain from alcohol.
Means 'abstinence from alcohol' or 'teetotalism'. Not exclusively Buddhist, but can be used in a Buddhist context.
健康のために断酒を始めました。
I started abstaining from alcohol for my health.
All three refer to the same precept. 不飲酒戒 is the most explicit and formal. 飲酒戒 is slightly shorter but still clear. 酒戒 is the shortest and may require context to distinguish from other 'alcohol-related precepts' (e.g., against selling alcohol). In most Buddhist contexts, they are interchangeable.
When speaking casually, Japanese people may simply say お酒を飲まない戒律 (おさけをのまないかいりつ, 'the precept of not drinking alcohol') to explain the concept. The formal terms are more common in written or doctrinal discussions.