Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'laity' is expressed through terms that distinguish ordinary people from religious specialists, often depending on context (Buddhist, Christian, or general).
To refer to laypeople in a religious context, especially in Buddhism or Christianity.
Refers to laypeople, especially in Buddhism, as opposed to ordained monks. Can also be used in a Christian context.
彼は在家の信者です。
He is a lay believer.
A more formal term for lay believer, often used in Christian contexts.
平信徒の役割は重要です。
The role of the laity is important.
Literally 'worldly person', used to contrast with clergy or monks. Can carry a nuance of being unenlightened or secular.
僧侶と俗人の違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between monks and laypeople.
General term for 'believer' or 'follower' of a religion. Not specifically 'laity', but often used when the distinction from clergy is clear from context.
教会には多くの信徒が集まった。
Many laypeople gathered at the church.
To refer specifically to Buddhist lay followers, often in contrast to monks.
Buddhist lay believer. Combines 在家 (lay) and 信者 (believer).
在家信者も修行に励んでいます。
Lay believers also devote themselves to practice.
Refers to a family or household that supports a Buddhist temple, often as parishioners. Implies a lay relationship with a specific temple.
この寺の檀家は約200軒です。
This temple has about 200 lay supporter families.
Buddhist term for a male lay devotee (from Sanskrit upāsaka). Rare and technical.
Buddhist term for a female lay devotee (from Sanskrit upāsikā). Rare and technical.
彼女は熱心な優婆夷です。
She is a devout laywoman.
To refer to Christian laity, especially in a church context.
Standard term for Christian laity. Used in formal church contexts.
平信徒のための研修会が開かれた。
A training session for the laity was held.
Literally 'ordinary believer', used to distinguish lay members from clergy.
一般信徒も聖書を読むことが奨励されている。
Laypeople are also encouraged to read the Bible.
To refer to people who are not experts or professionals in a field, similar to 'layperson' in English.
Means 'amateur' or 'layperson' in the sense of not being a professional. Commonly used outside religious contexts.
素人には難しい専門用語だ。
It's technical jargon that's difficult for the laity.
在家 is the most common term for laity in Buddhism, while 平信徒 is primarily used in Christian contexts. 信徒 is a general term for 'believer' and can be used for laity when the context is clear, but it does not inherently distinguish between clergy and laity.
俗人 can sound derogatory or overly secular in some religious contexts. Use 在家 or 平信徒 for neutral references to religious laity.
He observes the precepts as a layman.
Literally 'outsider', meaning someone not versed in a particular field. More formal than 素人.
私は法律については門外漢です。
I am a layperson when it comes to law.