Translation guide
The English word 'nativity' most commonly refers to the birth of Jesus Christ, especially as depicted in art or celebrated at Christmas. It can also mean birth in general, or a horoscope. This guide focuses on the most useful meanings for learners.
Referring to the birth of Jesus, especially in religious contexts, Christmas, or art.
The standard term for the Nativity of Christ. Used in Christian contexts and Christmas references.
教会でキリストの降誕を祝う。
We celebrate the Nativity of Christ at church.
A more general term for a divine or noble birth, often used for Jesus or Buddha. Can stand alone in context.
降誕の場面を描いた絵画。
A painting depicting the Nativity scene.
Literally 'the birth of Jesus Christ'. Used in both religious and secular contexts, but '降誕' is more traditional for the Nativity.
イエス・キリストの生誕はクリスマスに祝われる。
The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated at Christmas.
A shorter form, often used in compound terms like 'キリスト生誕祭' (Christmas).
キリスト生誕の物語。
The story of Christ's birth.
Referring to the act or occasion of being born, often in a formal or literary sense.
The most common word for 'birth'. Can be used for people, animals, or metaphorically for organizations/ideas.
彼の誕生は家族にとって大きな喜びだった。
His birth was a great joy for the family.
Formal term for birth, often used in official contexts like registration or statistics.
出生届を提出する。
Submit a birth registration.
Literary or formal term for birth, often used for great figures or in commemorative contexts (e.g., 生誕百年祭).
Referring to a model or tableau depicting the birth of Jesus, often displayed at Christmas.
Literally 'Nativity scene'. The most direct translation.
教会の前に降誕の場面が飾られている。
A Nativity scene is displayed in front of the church.
Literally 'Christmas stable'. Commonly understood as the Nativity scene, focusing on the stable setting.
子供たちとクリスマスの馬小屋を作った。
We made a Christmas Nativity scene with the children.
Uses 'diorama' to specify a three-dimensional model. More technical.
博物館でキリスト降誕のジオラマを見た。
I saw a Nativity diorama at the museum.
Referring to the astrological sign or circumstances of one's birth.
The loanword for 'horoscope'. In context, 'nativity' as an astrological chart is often called ホロスコープ.
彼のホロスコープを詳しく調べた。
I examined his nativity in detail.
Literally 'birth chart'. Used in astrology to refer to a natal chart.
出生図を作成するには正確な出生時間が必要だ。
To create a nativity chart, you need the exact time of birth.
English loanword 'natal chart', used among astrology enthusiasts.
ネイタルチャートを読むのは難しい。
Reading a nativity chart is difficult.
降誕 (こうたん) is specifically for divine or noble births, especially Jesus or Buddha. 誕生 (たんじょう) is the general word for birth. 出生 (しゅっしょう/しゅっせい) is formal and used in official records.
In English, 'nativity' is rarely used for ordinary births; it sounds archaic or religious. In Japanese, use 誕生 for general birth, and reserve 降誕 for the Nativity of Christ.
シェイクスピアの生誕地を訪れた。
I visited Shakespeare's birthplace.