Translation guide
Catholicism is the faith, practice, and system of the Catholic Church. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as カトリック, often with 教会 (church) or 信仰 (faith) for clarity.
Referring to Catholicism as a religious belief system or denomination.
The most common and natural way to refer to Catholicism in Japanese. Often used with 教会 (church) or 信仰 (faith) to specify the institution or belief.
彼はカトリックの信者です。
He is a Catholic believer.
カトリック教会はバチカンにあります。
The Catholic Church is in the Vatican.
A more academic or formal term for Catholicism as a system of beliefs and practices. Less common in everyday conversation.
カトリシズムはキリスト教の最大の教派です。
Catholicism is the largest denomination of Christianity.
Literally 'old religion', a historical term contrasting Catholicism with Protestantism (新教). Rarely used in modern contexts except in historical or comparative discussions.
旧教と新教の違いについて学びました。
I learned about the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism.
Referring to the organized Catholic Church, its hierarchy, or its global community.
The standard term for the Catholic Church as an institution. Use this when talking about the Church's teachings, structure, or activities.
カトリック教会は多くの慈善活動を行っています。
The Catholic Church carries out many charitable activities.
Referring to the specific teachings, dogmas, or theological aspects of Catholicism.
Means 'Catholic teachings' and is a natural way to discuss doctrines or moral instructions.
カトリックの教えでは、ミサはとても大切です。
In Catholic teaching, the Mass is very important.
A more formal term for 'Catholic doctrine' or 'dogma'. Suitable for theological discussions.
カトリックの教義には三位一体が含まれます。
Catholic doctrine includes the Trinity.
キリスト教 (Christianity) is the broader religion, while カトリック (Catholicism) is a specific denomination. In Japan, キリスト教 often refers to Christianity in general, but context may imply Protestantism. Be specific when needed.
日本ではキリスト教の信者は少ないですが、カトリックの教会はたくさんあります。
In Japan, there are few Christians, but there are many Catholic churches.
カトリック can stand alone as a noun meaning 'Catholicism' or 'Catholic'. To specify a person, say カトリック信者 (Catholic believer). To specify the institution, say カトリック教会 (Catholic Church).
彼女はカトリックに改宗しました。
She converted to Catholicism.
カトリックはヨーロッパで長い歴史があります。
Catholicism has a long history in Europe.
Specifically the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing its connection to Rome and the Pope. Used when distinguishing from other Catholic rites.
ローマ・カトリック教会の最高指導者は教皇です。
The supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church is the Pope.