Translation guide
The act of intervening on behalf of another, especially through prayer or mediation. In Japanese, this concept is expressed differently depending on the context: religious prayer, formal mediation, or informal pleading.
To pray to a deity or saint on behalf of someone else, asking for help, healing, or forgiveness.
The most direct equivalent for religious intercession, often used in Christian contexts. Refers to praying to God on behalf of others.
He prayed to God for intercession on behalf of his friend.
Literally 'prayer of mediation', used in Christian contexts for intercessory prayer.
At church, intercessory prayers are offered every week.
A more technical Christian term meaning 'intercessory prayer'. Less common in everyday speech.
The pastor offered an intercessory prayer for the sick.
To step in and help resolve a conflict between two parties, often by speaking on behalf of one or facilitating communication.
General term for arbitration or mediation, where a third party helps settle a dispute. Can be used in legal, business, or personal contexts.
Through his intercession, the two reconciled.
Intermediation or acting as a go-between. Often used when someone facilitates communication or transactions.
Can also mean mediation or intercession in non-religious contexts, though less common than 仲裁. Implies pleading or smoothing things over.
Putting in a good word for someone; informal intercession, often in hierarchical relationships like job recommendations.
To earnestly ask for mercy, leniency, or a favor for another person, often in a hierarchical or formal setting.
Verb form of 執り成し. Means to intercede or plead for someone. Can be used in both religious and secular contexts.
My mother interceded with my father, so I was forgiven.
Literally 'to request', but in context can mean interceding by making a request on someone's behalf. Very common and versatile.
To put in a word for someone, often implying using one's influence. Can be informal.
The English word 'intercession' is often used in religious contexts. In Japanese, simply using 執り成し may not be understood without context. For everyday situations, consider using more common words like 仲裁 or お願い.
仲裁 (arbitration) implies actively resolving a dispute, often with authority. 仲介 (intermediation) is more about facilitating communication or acting as a middleman, without necessarily resolving the conflict.
彼女の仲介で契約が成立した。
The contract was concluded through her intercession.
上司の執り成しで彼は解雇を免れた。
Thanks to his boss's intercession, he avoided being fired.
先輩の口添えで面接の機会を得た。
I got an interview opportunity through my senior's intercession.
I interceded with the teacher on his behalf and got him a retest.
社長に口を利いてもらって、転職できた。
I was able to change jobs thanks to the president's intercession.