Translation guide
The Nihongi (also known as Nihon Shoki) is one of the oldest official histories of Japan, completed in 720 CE. It is a foundational text for Japanese mythology, early history, and national identity.
Referring to the ancient Japanese text itself
The standard modern Japanese name for the Nihongi. Use this in most contexts.
日本書紀は720年に完成した。
The Nihon Shoki was completed in 720.
An older, abbreviated name still encountered in academic or historical contexts.
日本紀の神話を研究している。
I am researching the myths of the Nihongi.
Talking about studying or reading the Nihongi
Natural way to say 'read the Nihon Shoki'.
日本書紀を読むのは難しい。
Reading the Nihon Shoki is difficult.
Refers to academic research on the text.
彼は日本書紀の研究で有名だ。
He is famous for his research on the Nihon Shoki.
In modern Japanese, 日本書紀 (Nihon Shoki) is the standard name. 日本紀 (Nihongi) is older and less common, but still understood. In English, both are used, but 'Nihon Shoki' is becoming more prevalent in academic writing.