Translation guide
The concept of divine grace—unmerited favor, blessing, or mercy from a deity—is expressed in Japanese through terms rooted in Buddhist and Christian traditions, as well as more general words for blessing and mercy. The best choice depends on the religious context and the nuance of 'grace' intended.
The theological concept of God's grace as unearned love, forgiveness, and salvation in Christianity.
The standard theological term for divine grace in Christianity. It specifically refers to God's unmerited favor and blessing, often in the context of salvation.
We are saved by God's grace.
A more general word for 'blessing' or 'grace' that can be used in Christian contexts, but is not exclusively theological. It can refer to any kind of favor or benefit received.
I am grateful for God's grace.
A more technical Catholic term for sanctifying grace. Rarely used outside theological writings.
To receive divine grace.
The concept of grace in Buddhism, especially in Pure Land traditions, where it refers to Amida Buddha's compassionate vow to save all beings.
Literally 'other-power,' this is the central concept of grace in Pure Land Buddhism. It refers to the saving power of Amida Buddha's vow, as opposed to self-power (自力).
One attains birth in the Pure Land through faith in other-power (grace).
Compassion or mercy, a fundamental Buddhist virtue. While not a direct translation of 'grace,' it is often the active force of a Buddha's grace.
A general term for favor or benefit, sometimes used in Buddhist contexts to describe the grace of a Buddha or deity.
A non-denominational sense of receiving favor, protection, or blessing from a god or the divine.
The most common and natural way to say 'divine grace' in a general sense. It literally means 'god's blessing/grace.'
This is divine grace.
Literally 'heaven's blessing,' this is a more poetic or traditional way to refer to divine grace, often used in a non-specific spiritual sense.
To give thanks for divine grace.
Divine protection or providence. Often used in the context of a deity watching over and granting safety or success.
The sense of grace as a divine attribute of beauty, elegance, or virtue, often personified.
Elegance or gracefulness. While not specifically 'divine,' it can describe a god-like quality of beauty and refinement.
Her bearing has a divine grace about it.
Refinement, dignity, or grace. Can be used to describe a divine or noble quality.
恩寵 (おんちょう) is a strictly Christian theological term for grace, while 恵み (めぐみ) is a broader word for blessing or favor that can be used in both religious and secular contexts. Use 恩寵 when discussing the doctrine of grace, and 恵み for general expressions of gratitude for divine favor.
The concept of grace is central to Christianity.
Our daily bread is a divine grace.
While 恩恵 (おんけい) can mean 'grace' in the sense of a favor or benefit, it is not the standard term for Christian grace. Using it may sound like a general benefit rather than the theological concept. Stick to 恩寵 for Christian grace.
We are saved by God's grace. (ambiguous, sounds like a general favor)
To rely on the Buddha's compassion (grace).
仏の恩恵に浴する。
To be bathed in the Buddha's grace.
To pray for divine grace (protection).
The statue exudes a divine grace.
○ 神の恩寵によって救われる。
We are saved by God's grace. (correct theological term)