Translation guide
The act of singing or reciting words rhythmically, often in religious, ceremonial, or repetitive contexts. Japanese has distinct words for Buddhist sutra chanting, Shinto prayers, rhythmic shouting at events, and repetitive singing or recitation.
The rhythmic recitation of Buddhist scriptures, typically by monks or at funerals.
The standard term for chanting sutras in a Buddhist context. Used for both the act and the sound.
お坊さんが読経を始めた。
The monk began chanting sutras.
Commonly refers to the sutra itself or the chanting of it, often in everyday speech about funerals or memorial services.
お葬式でお経を聞いた。
I heard chanting at the funeral.
A common phrase meaning 'to chant sutras' or 'to perform a Buddhist service'.
毎朝、仏壇の前でお経をあげます。
Every morning, I chant sutras in front of the family altar.
The ritual intonation of Shinto prayers (norito) at shrines.
Shinto ritual prayers chanted by priests. The chanting itself is often referred to as 祝詞を奏上する (norito o sōjō suru).
神主が祝詞を奏上した。
The Shinto priest chanted a prayer.
Repetitive, rhythmic shouting, often at festivals, protests, or sports events.
Rhythmic shouts or calls used to encourage, coordinate, or energize a group. Common at festivals (matsuri) and sports.
祭りで「わっしょい」という掛け声が聞こえた。
I heard the chanting of 'Wasshoi!' at the festival.
Singing or reciting words in a monotonous or rhythmic way, not necessarily religious.
Chanting in a melodic or poetic style, often used for classical poetry, hymns, or mantras.
彼は詩を詠唱した。
He chanted a poem.
To recite or chant something aloud, such as a mantra, spell, or slogan. Often used for set phrases.
Literally 'to say repeatedly'. Can describe chanting-like repetition, but is a general phrase, not a specific term for chanting.
彼らは同じ言葉を繰り返し言っていた。
They were chanting the same words over and over.
読経 (dokyō) is the formal act of chanting sutras, while お経 (o-kyō) often refers to the sutra text or the chanting heard at funerals. In casual speech, お経 is more common for the sound of chanting.
English 'chanting' covers many contexts, but Japanese uses distinct words. Using 読経 for non-Buddhist chanting would be incorrect. For general rhythmic shouting, use 掛け声.
From German 'Sprechchor', meaning a repeated slogan or chant, especially in protests or demonstrations.
デモ隊がシュプレヒコールを繰り返した。
The demonstrators repeatedly chanted slogans.
呪文を唱える。
To chant a spell.