Translation guide
The English word "confessor" can refer to a person who hears confessions (especially a priest), a person who confesses their faith (especially in early Christianity), or someone who confesses a crime or secret. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: a priest who hears confessions.
He is a confessor at the church.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a priest who hears confessions'. Useful when the specific term 告解師 is not known.
The priest who hears confessions was absent.
A more formal or technical term used in some Christian denominations. Less common in everyday language.
The confessor listened to the believer's confession.
Referring to someone who openly professes their Christian faith, especially in the face of persecution (historical/religious context).
The standard term for a confessor of the faith in early Christianity. Used in historical and religious contexts.
He is known as a confessor who professed his faith even under persecution.
A more literal phrase meaning 'one who confesses faith'. Can be used in broader Christian contexts.
Referring to someone who admits to a wrongdoing or reveals a secret. This is not a direct translation of 'confessor' but a related concept.
There is no single noun equivalent for 'confessor' in this sense. Use phrases like 告白した人 (person who confessed) or 自白した人 (person who made a confession, especially to police).
He is the one who confessed his crime.
The confessor sought a reduced sentence.
The English word 'confessor' has no single, everyday Japanese equivalent. The most common meaning (priest who hears confessions) is 告解師, but this term is primarily used in Catholic contexts. For general use, it's often better to describe the role or action rather than using a direct noun.
In the early church, there were many confessors of the faith.