Translation guide
The English word 'invocation' covers several distinct ideas: a formal prayer or call for help at the start of an event, the act of summoning a spirit or supernatural being, and in computing, the act of calling a program or function. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A formal prayer or request for divine assistance, often at the beginning of a ceremony, speech, or event.
A general term for a prayer or invocation, often used in religious or formal contexts. It can refer to praying for something specific.
Before the opening, we will offer an invocation for peace.
Literally 'words of prayer'. A natural way to refer to an invocation as a spoken prayer, especially in a ceremonial context.
The priest delivered the invocation.
Refers to a prayer or incantation, often in Shinto or Buddhist contexts. Can imply a ritualistic invocation for blessings or protection.
The Shinto priest offered an invocation for safety.
Means 'call' or 'appeal'. Can be used for an invocation directed at a deity or spirit, but is more general and less formal than 祈願.
They began the ceremony with an invocation to the gods.
The act of calling upon a spirit, demon, or deity to appear, often in magical or occult contexts.
The standard term for summoning, especially in fantasy, games, or occult contexts. It implies bringing forth a being or entity.
The wizard performed an invocation to summon a spirit.
Specifically refers to invoking the spirit of the dead, as in a séance. More niche than 召喚.
A general verb meaning 'to call out' or 'summon'. Can be used for invoking spirits in a less technical way.
In programming, the act of executing a subroutine, function, or system call.
The standard technical term for a function or method call. Used as a noun or with する.
The function invocation failed.
Means 'starting' or 'launching'. Used for invoking a program or process, rather than a single function.
Means 'execution'. Can be used in the context of invoking a command or script, but is broader than just 'calling'.
In English, 'invocation' often refers to a specific opening prayer at events. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent. Use 祈願 or 祈りの言葉 depending on context. Do not use 召喚 for this meaning, as it implies summoning spirits.
降霊術で死者の霊を呼び出す。
Invoke the spirits of the dead through necromancy.
呪文で悪魔を呼び出した。
He invoked a demon with a spell.
An error occurred during program invocation.
スクリプトの実行には管理者権限が必要です。
Script invocation requires administrator privileges.