Translation guide
The concept of coming back to life after death. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns and verbs, with distinctions between religious, metaphorical, and literal contexts.
To refer to the act of a divine figure or mythological being coming back to life, especially in Christian or Buddhist contexts.
The most common and general term for resurrection, used in religious contexts (e.g., the resurrection of Christ) and metaphorically.
キリストの復活はキリスト教の中心的な教義です。
The resurrection of Christ is a central doctrine of Christianity.
A more literary or poetic term for resurrection or revival, often used in mythology or to describe a miraculous return to life.
不死鳥の蘇りは再生の象徴です。
The resurrection of the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth.
To describe a person, organization, or idea that has been revived after a period of decline or inactivity.
Also used metaphorically for comebacks, revivals, or restorations, such as a career resurgence or the revival of a tradition.
彼の歌手としての復活は多くの人を驚かせた。
His resurrection as a singer surprised many people.
Refers to a comeback or recovery, often after a setback. It implies rising again, but not necessarily from death.
To describe a person or animal literally coming back to life after being dead, often in fictional or hypothetical contexts.
The most common verb meaning 'to come back to life' or 'to be resurrected'. Used for literal resurrection in stories or hypotheticals.
もし死んだ人が生き返ったら、世界は混乱するだろう。
If dead people were resurrected, the world would be in chaos.
A more dramatic or literary verb for resurrection or revival. Often used in fantasy or when emphasizing the miraculous nature.
復活 (ふっかつ) is the standard, neutral term for resurrection in both religious and metaphorical contexts. 蘇り (よみがえり) is more literary and emotive, often used in poetry or mythology. For everyday metaphorical use (e.g., a career comeback), 復活 is preferred.
English often uses 'resurrect' as a transitive verb (e.g., 'They resurrected the tradition'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use intransitive verbs like 復活する or 蘇る, or to rephrase with a causative structure (e.g., 復活させる).
He made a miraculous resurrection from bankruptcy.
伝説の英雄が墓から蘇った。
The legendary hero was resurrected from the grave.