Translation guide
The Jesuits are a Catholic religious order. In Japanese, they are referred to by specific names, and understanding the historical context is helpful.
Referring to the Society of Jesus as an organization or its members.
The standard term for the Jesuit order. Used in both historical and modern contexts.
イエズス会は16世紀に設立されました。
The Jesuits were founded in the 16th century.
Refers to an individual Jesuit priest or member. Use when specifying a person.
彼はイエズス会士です。
He is a Jesuit.
A direct loanword from English, sometimes used in modern contexts or by English speakers, but less common than イエズス会.
ジェズイットの歴史について研究しています。
I'm researching the history of the Jesuits.
Referring to the Jesuits in the context of their mission in Japan during the 16th-17th centuries.
Same as above, but often used in historical discussions. The order is well-known for figures like Francis Xavier.
イエズス会の宣教師が日本にキリスト教を伝えました。
Jesuit missionaries brought Christianity to Japan.
An older kanji rendering of 'Jesuits', used historically. Rare in modern usage.
In historical contexts about Japan, イエズス会 is the standard term. For contemporary global references, the same word is used, but you might also encounter ジェズイット in some media.
The activities of the Jesuits were banned in the Edo period.