Translation guide
The English word 'constellation' primarily refers to a group of stars forming a recognized pattern. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 星座 (seiza). However, depending on context, other terms like 星群 (seigun) for a general star cluster or 星宿 (seishuku) for Chinese constellations may be used. This guide covers the main ways to express 'constellation' in Japanese, from everyday conversation to technical or historical contexts.
星座
constellation (star pattern)
To refer to one of the 88 modern constellations or a well-known star pattern.
The standard word for 'constellation' in modern Japanese. Used in daily conversation, astronomy, and astrology.
オリオン座は冬の星座です。
Orion is a winter constellation.
星座占いが好きです。
I like horoscopes (constellation-based fortune-telling).
To describe a cluster or gathering of stars, often in a poetic or descriptive sense.
Literally 'star group'. Used in astronomy for a cluster of stars, or in literary contexts to describe a gathering of stars.
夜空に星群が輝いていた。
A cluster of stars was shining in the night sky.
A simple phrase meaning 'a gathering of stars'. More colloquial than 星群.
あの星の集まりは何ですか？
What is that group of stars?
To refer to the traditional Chinese constellations, which differ from the Western 88 constellations.
Refers to the Chinese constellations or 'lunar mansions'. Used in historical, astrological, or cultural contexts.
二十八宿は中国の星座体系です。
The Twenty-Eight Mansions are a Chinese constellation system.
To use 'constellation' metaphorically, as in 'a constellation of stars' (celebrities).
A literary phrase meaning 'like a glittering of stars', used to describe a gathering of brilliant people or things. Not a direct translation but conveys the figurative sense.
綺羅星の如き才能が集まった。
A constellation of talent gathered.
In modern Japanese, 星座 is not commonly used metaphorically for groups of people. Instead, rephrase or use a simile like 星座のように (like a constellation).
彼らは星座のように輝くスターたちだ。
They are stars shining like a constellation.
星座 (seiza) is the everyday word for the 88 modern constellations. 星群 (seigun) is a more technical or literary term for any star cluster. 星宿 (seishuku) specifically refers to Chinese constellations. Use 星座 unless you need to be specific.
星座を見るのが趣味です。
My hobby is looking at constellations.
この星群はプレアデス星団です。
This star cluster is the Pleiades.
In English, 'constellation' can mean a group of symptoms or factors. Japanese 星座 does not carry this meaning. Use 兆候 (chōkō, signs) or 一群 (ichigun, a group) instead.
その病気には特有の兆候がある。
The disease has a specific constellation of symptoms.
オリオン座が見えます。
I can see the constellation Orion.
彼女は星座の神話に興味があります。
She is interested in constellation myths.