Translation guide
A Christian ceremony of naming and baptizing a person, especially a baby, or the act of naming something (like a ship). This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the religious ceremony where a baby or person is baptized and given a Christian name.
The standard term for a Christian baptism ceremony. It emphasizes the religious rite of baptism, which often includes naming.
赤ちゃんの洗礼式が教会で行われた。
The baby's christening was held at the church.
Literally 'naming ceremony'. This can be used for a christening when the focus is on the naming aspect, but it is not inherently religious. In a Christian context, it may be understood as part of the baptism.
洗礼式の中で命名式も行われた。
The naming ceremony was also performed during the christening.
Means 'to baptize' or 'to administer baptism'. Used when describing the act of performing a christening.
牧師が赤ちゃんに洗礼を授けた。
The pastor christened the baby.
Refers specifically to the Christian name given at baptism. Not the ceremony itself, but closely related.
彼の洗礼名はヨハネです。
His christening name is John.
The ceremony of officially giving a name to a ship, bell, or other object, often involving breaking a bottle of champagne.
The general term for a naming ceremony, used for ships, buildings, etc. It does not carry religious connotations.
新しい船の命名式が行われた。
The christening of the new ship took place.
Specifically the launching ceremony of a ship, which often includes the naming (christening). This is the most common term for a ship's christening in Japanese.
The verb 'to name'. Can be used for christening in the sense of giving a name to something.
彼女がその船を「希望号」と命名した。
She christened the ship 'Hope'.
Using 'christening' figuratively to mean the first use of something, or an event that marks the beginning.
Means 'first use'. A straightforward way to express the figurative sense of christening something by using it for the first time.
新しいスタジアムの初使用はコンサートだった。
The christening of the new stadium was a concert.
Means 'unveiling' or 'debut'. Can be used when something is shown or used for the first time in a celebratory way.
新車のお披露目ドライブに行った。
We went for a christening drive in the new car.
The English word 'christening' often implies a Christian ceremony. In Japanese, 洗礼式 (baptism ceremony) is explicitly Christian. If you are not in a Christian context, use 命名式 (naming ceremony) or other terms to avoid unintended religious connotations.
洗礼式 (senreishiki) is a religious baptism ceremony. 命名式 (meimeishiki) is a secular naming ceremony. For a Christian christening, 洗礼式 is appropriate. For a non-religious naming event or the naming of objects, use 命名式.
先週の日曜日、姪の洗礼式に出席しました。
We attended our niece's christening last Sunday.
新しい空母の命名式は盛大なイベントでした。
The christening of the new aircraft carrier was a grand event.
客船の進水式でシャンパンが割られた。
At the christening of the passenger ship, a bottle of champagne was broken.
Specifically the opening performance or event at a new theater or hall. A very specific type of 'christening'.
新しい劇場のこけら落としは歌舞伎だった。
The christening of the new theater was a kabuki performance.