Translation guide
A requiem is a Christian mass for the dead, or a musical piece for such a mass. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for the mass and the music, as well as related words for memorial services.
Referring to the Catholic mass offered for the repose of the soul of a deceased person.
The standard term for a requiem mass in a Catholic context. Combines '鎮魂' (repose of souls) with 'ミサ' (mass).
故人のために鎮魂ミサが行われた。
A requiem mass was held for the deceased.
The loanword from Latin, used in musical or general contexts, but can also refer to the mass itself.
モーツァルトのレクイエムは有名だ。
Mozart's Requiem is famous.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'mass for the dead'. More explanatory than '鎮魂ミサ'.
教会で死者のためのミサが捧げられた。
A mass for the dead was offered at the church.
Referring to a piece of music composed for or inspired by the requiem mass text.
The most common term for a musical requiem. Used for classical works by Mozart, Verdi, etc.
彼はヴェルディのレクイエムを演奏した。
He performed Verdi's Requiem.
A Japanese term literally meaning 'requiem music'. Less common than 'レクイエム' but used in some contexts.
Referring to a ceremony or act to honor and pray for the dead, not necessarily Christian.
A memorial service or ceremony. General term used for secular or non-Christian contexts.
戦没者のための追悼式が開かれた。
A memorial service was held for the war dead.
A memorial ceremony to console the spirits of the dead, often used in Shinto or secular contexts.
The act of praying for the repose of a soul. Can be used in phrases like '鎮魂の祈り' (prayer for the repose of souls).
鎮魂ミサ specifically refers to the Catholic mass, while レクイエム is more commonly used for the musical composition. In everyday conversation, レクイエム is widely understood as a piece of music.
鎮魂ミサに参列した。
I attended a requiem mass.
レクイエムを聴くのが好きだ。
I like listening to requiems.
Do not translate 'requiem' as '鎮魂歌' (ちんこんか) unless referring to a specific song or hymn. For the mass or musical work, use the terms above.
この鎮魂曲は深い悲しみを表現している。
This requiem expresses deep sorrow.
毎年、慰霊祭が営まれる。
A memorial ceremony is held every year.
鎮魂の祈りを捧げる。
To offer a prayer for the repose of souls.