Translation guide
A formal gathering for worship, prayer, or ritual in a religious context. Japanese expressions vary by religion and formality.
To refer to a worship service, especially in a Christian or broadly religious context.
The most common word for a Christian worship service. Also used for services in other religions, but primarily Christian.
日曜日の礼拝に参加した。
I attended the Sunday service.
Specifically a Catholic Mass. Use only for Catholic services.
教会でミサが行われた。
Mass was held at the church.
A Buddhist memorial service or ritual. Not for regular worship, but for specific occasions like funerals or anniversaries.
お寺で法要が営まれた。
A Buddhist memorial service was held at the temple.
A Shinto festival or ritual ceremony. Often involves processions and offerings.
神社の祭礼に多くの人が集まった。
Many people gathered for the shrine's festival service.
A generic term for ceremony or ritual. Can be used for religious services but is broader and less specific.
宗教的な儀式が行われた。
A religious ceremony was performed.
To refer to a Buddhist service, such as a sutra chanting or memorial.
A Buddhist memorial service for the deceased, often held on specific anniversaries after death.
祖父の法事でお経をあげた。
We chanted sutras at my grandfather's memorial service.
Daily Buddhist devotional practice or service, often done at home or in a temple. Can also refer to a monk's duties.
Sutra chanting or reading, often part of a Buddhist service. Focuses on the act of chanting.
To refer to a Shinto ceremony, often involving purification and offerings.
A Shinto ritual or ceremony. Often performed at shrines for various occasions.
神事が厳かに執り行われた。
The Shinto ritual was solemnly performed.
A Shinto festival, which includes religious services and community celebrations. More festive than solemn.
To describe a gathering that is not strictly a formal religious service but has spiritual or meditative aspects.
A gathering or meeting, often used for informal religious or spiritual groups. Can be combined with other words.
信仰の集いに参加した。
I attended a faith gathering.
A meeting or assembly. When combined with religious terms, it can mean a service-like gathering (e.g., 祈祷会 - prayer meeting).
祈祷会で祈りを捧げた。
We offered prayers at the prayer meeting.
礼拝 is the general term for a Christian worship service. ミサ specifically refers to the Catholic Mass. 法要 is a Buddhist memorial service, not a regular worship service. Use the appropriate term based on the religion and context.
The English word 'service' in 'religious service' does not directly translate to サービス (which means customer service or freebie). Always use the specific religious term.
Every morning, I do my Buddhist devotions in front of the family altar.
The monk began chanting sutras.
We carried the portable shrine at the summer festival.