Translation guide
The English word 'preaching' can refer to the act of delivering a religious sermon, or more broadly to giving moral advice in a tedious or self-righteous way. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings.
To refer to the act of delivering a religious talk, especially in a Christian context.
The most common word for a religious sermon or preaching. Can be used for Christian sermons or Buddhist teachings.
The pastor's preaching touched my heart.
I go to listen to the Sunday preaching.
The verb phrase 'to preach' or 'to give a sermon'.
He preached at the church.
Refers to evangelism or missionary work, often involving preaching to spread the faith.
He went to Africa for preaching (evangelism).
A Buddhist sermon or discourse. Used specifically in Buddhist contexts.
I listened to a Buddhist preaching at the temple.
To express giving unwanted moral advice in a self-righteous or tedious manner.
I'm tired of his constant preaching about healthy eating. · Stop preaching at me!
The same word as for religious preaching, but used metaphorically for moralizing or lecturing. Often used with a negative connotation.
I'm fed up with his preaching.
Adding the honorific prefix 'お' makes it sound slightly more sarcastic or emphasizes the unwanted nature of the lecture.
Here comes the preaching again.
To preach in a condescending or self-important manner.
A noun meaning sanctimonious preaching or hypocritical moralizing, pretending to be for someone's benefit.
English often uses the gerund 'preaching' as a noun. In Japanese, it's more natural to use the noun 説教 or a verb phrase like 説教をする rather than trying to directly translate the -ing form.
説教 is the general term for a sermon or preaching, while 伝道 specifically refers to evangelism or missionary work, often with the goal of conversion.
Stop preaching at me.
An adjective meaning 'preachy' or 'sounding like a sermon'. Used to describe someone's tone or words.
His way of speaking is preachy.
He always preaches condescendingly.
His advice is nothing but sanctimonious preaching.