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 work or vocation of a religious minister; pastoral duties.
Specifically refers to pastoral ministry or shepherding a congregation. Common in Christian contexts.
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.
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.
He devoted his life to the ministry.
Evangelism or missionary work; often used for outreach ministry.
She went to Africa for ministry work.
Holy orders or the clerical profession; a more formal term for the ministry as a vocation.
He decided to enter the ministry.
Loanword used in some Christian circles, but not as common as native terms.
His ministry influenced many people.
Term of office; used for any official position, including ministers.
His ministry lasted only two years.
Specifically the period of pastoral ministry.
His ministry spanned 30 years.