Translation guide
How to talk about Christians, Christianity, and Christian things in Japanese.
私はクリスチャンです。
I am a Christian.
キリスト教の教会
a Christian church
Referring to a person who follows Christianity.
The most common and neutral word for a Christian person. Used in everyday conversation.
彼女はクリスチャンです。
She is a Christian.
A more formal term, literally 'Christian religion follower'. Often used in news or official contexts.
キリスト教徒の人口は増えている。
The Christian population is increasing.
Historical term for Christians in Japan during the 16th-17th centuries, especially hidden Christians. Not used for modern Christians.
隠れキリシタンの歴史を学ぶ。
Learn about the history of hidden Christians.
Describing something as Christian (adjective).
Use 'キリスト教の' before a noun to mean 'Christian (something)'. This is the standard way to form the adjective.
キリスト教の教会
a Christian church
キリスト教の学校に通っています。
I go to a Christian school.
Sometimes used as a prefix, especially in casual contexts or compound words, but 'キリスト教の' is more standard.
クリスチャンネーム
Christian name (baptismal name)
Referring to the religion itself.
The standard word for Christianity as a religion.
キリスト教は世界最大の宗教です。
Christianity is the largest religion in the world.
クリスチャン is the everyday word for a Christian person. キリスト教徒 is more formal and often used in statistics or academic writing. In casual conversation, クリスチャン is preferred.
キリシタン refers specifically to historical Japanese Christians from the Edo period. Using it for a modern Christian would sound strange and anachronistic.