Translation guide
A godparent is a sponsor at a child's baptism who takes on a spiritual mentorship role. In Japanese, the concept is primarily expressed through Christian terminology, but cultural equivalents exist in non-religious contexts.
A person who sponsors a child's baptism and promises to help raise the child in the Christian faith.
General term for godparent in Christian contexts. Can refer to either godfather or godmother.
彼は私の代父母です。
He is my godparent.
Another term for godparent, emphasizing the teaching role. Less common than 代父母.
教父母として、子供の信仰を導く責任があります。
As a godparent, you have the responsibility to guide the child's faith.
Loanword from English. Used in some Christian communities, but less common than Japanese terms.
ゴッドペアレントとして、洗礼式に参加しました。
I attended the baptism as a godparent.
Specifically a male godparent.
Godfather. The male-specific term.
代父は洗礼式で子供を抱きました。
The godfather held the child at the baptism.
Another term for godfather, emphasizing teaching. Also means 'Church Father' in theological contexts.
彼は私の教父です。
He is my godfather.
Specifically a female godparent.
Godmother. The female-specific term.
代母は子供に聖書を贈りました。
The godmother gave the child a Bible.
Another term for godmother, emphasizing teaching.
教母は毎年クリスマスにカードを送ってくれます。
My godmother sends me a card every Christmas.
A person who takes on a similar supportive role without religious connotations, such as a legal guardian or a trusted family friend who acts as a mentor.
Literally 'name-giving parent'. In Japan, this refers to the person who names a child, often a respected relative or friend, and may take on a lifelong mentorship role similar to a godparent. Not religious.
彼は私の名付け親で、いつも相談に乗ってくれます。
He is my name-giver and always gives me advice.
A person who acts as a parent figure. Not a formal title, but describes the role.
Terms like 代父母 are specifically Christian. Using them in non-Christian contexts may cause confusion. For non-religious mentorship, use 名付け親 or describe the relationship.
Both mean godparent. 代父母 is more common and neutral. 教父母 emphasizes the teaching role and is less frequent.
Legal guardian. Can be used for a non-parental guardian, but lacks the spiritual/mentorship nuance.
両親が亡くなった後、叔父が後見人になりました。
After my parents passed away, my uncle became my guardian.
祖母は私にとって親代わりのような存在でした。
My grandmother was like a parent to me.