Translation guide
A chaplain is a religious professional who provides spiritual care in institutions like hospitals, military, schools, or prisons. In Japanese, the term depends heavily on the context and the specific role.
A religious worker providing spiritual care in a non-religious institution (hospital, school, prison, etc.)
The most direct loanword from English, widely understood in modern contexts, especially in Christian institutions or international settings.
The hospital chaplain is in charge of the patients' spiritual care.
Specifically refers to a chaplain in prisons or correctional facilities, providing religious guidance to inmates.
The prison chaplain met with the inmate.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'religious care provider,' used when a specific term like chaplain is not established.
This hospital has a religious care provider on staff.
A chaplain serving in the armed forces.
Literally 'military pastor,' the standard term for a Christian chaplain in the military.
The military chaplain provided spiritual support for the soldiers.
A Buddhist military chaplain, historically used but can apply to modern contexts.
The military chaplain offered prayers on the battlefield.
Also used in modern military contexts, especially when referring to chaplains of various faiths or in international forces.
A chaplain at a school, often a private religious school.
A chaplain providing spiritual care in a medical setting.
The English word 'chaplain' covers many roles that do not have a single Japanese equivalent. Always consider the institution and religious context. In secular or multi-faith settings, チャプレン is the safest choice.
牧師 (ぼくし) means 'pastor' or 'minister' and usually refers to a Protestant clergyperson leading a church. チャプレン specifically denotes an institutional chaplain, not a church pastor. Using 牧師 alone may cause confusion unless the context (e.g., 病院の牧師) makes it clear.
自衛隊にもチャプレン制度の導入が検討されている。
The introduction of a chaplain system is being considered for the Self-Defense Forces.
大学のチャプレンが学生の悩み相談に乗っています。
The university chaplain counsels students on their problems.
The hospital chaplain holds a service every week.