Translation guide
The English word 'ministry' can refer to a government department, the work of a religious minister, or the period of such service. This guide covers these core meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
A department of government headed by a minister, especially in parliamentary systems.
The standard term for a ministry in the Japanese government, e.g., 外務省 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Used as a suffix.
外務省はこの問題について声明を発表した。
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on this issue.
Used for agencies or offices that may be equivalent to a ministry in some contexts, e.g., 防衛庁 (Defense Agency, later upgraded to 防衛省).
The Defense Agency was upgraded to the Ministry of Defense.
A general term for government offices, including ministries. More bureaucratic and less specific.
He works at a central government ministry.
The work or vocation of a religious minister; pastoral duties.
Specifically refers to pastoral ministry or shepherding a congregation. Common in Christian contexts.
He devoted his life to the ministry.
Evangelism or missionary work; often used for outreach ministry.
Holy orders or the clerical profession; a more formal term for the ministry as a vocation.
Loanword used in some Christian circles, but not as common as native terms.
The time during which a minister holds office or serves.
Do not translate 'ministry' as ミニストリー when referring to a government department. Use 省 (しょう) as the standard suffix. ミニストリー is only used in religious contexts and even then is less common than native terms.
彼女は伝道のためにアフリカへ行った。
She went to Africa for ministry work.
彼は聖職に就くことを決意した。
He decided to enter the ministry.
His ministry influenced many people.
His ministry spanned 30 years.