Translation guide
The Torah is the central reference of Judaism, traditionally consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by its Hebrew-derived name, with a few alternative expressions used in specific contexts.
Referring to the Torah as the foundational text of Judaism, the five books of Moses.
The most common and direct way to refer to the Torah in Japanese, borrowed from Hebrew. Used in both religious and academic contexts.
Referring to the physical scroll containing the Torah text, used in synagogue services.
The standard way to say 'Torah scroll'. 巻物 means scroll.
ユダヤ教では、トーラーは最も重要な聖典です。
In Judaism, the Torah is the most important scripture.
Literally 'the five books of Moses'. This term is used in Christian contexts or when emphasizing the Pentateuch as part of the Old Testament.
The Pentateuch is the first five books of the Old Testament.
Means 'the Law' and can refer to the Torah in a broader sense, but is more commonly used for 'law' in general. In religious contexts, it may specifically denote the Mosaic Law.
Can be ambiguous; in everyday Japanese, 法律 (ほうりつ) is the standard word for 'law'. Use only when the context clearly indicates the Torah.
The Law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
The Torah scroll is read aloud in the synagogue.
From Hebrew 'Sefer Torah', meaning 'Book of the Torah'. Used in Jewish community contexts or by those familiar with Hebrew terms.
The Sefer Torah is covered with a special cloth.