Translation guide
A religious speech, usually given by a clergy member during a service. In Japanese, the most common word is 説教 (sekkyō), but other terms exist for specific traditions or tones.
A formal religious address, typically in a Christian context, but also used for Buddhist or other traditions.
The standard word for a sermon in any religious context. Can also mean 'preaching' or 'lecturing' in a moralistic sense.
A long, tedious, or moralizing speech telling someone how to behave, often unwanted.
While 説教 can mean both a religious sermon and a scolding lecture, using it in the wrong context might sound overly harsh or religious. For a simple scolding, 小言 or 注意 (ちゅうい) might be more appropriate.
The pastor's sermon touched my heart.
日曜日の説教を聞きに行く。
I go to listen to the Sunday sermon.
Specifically a Buddhist sermon or dharma talk, often given by a monk.
お寺で法話を聞いた。
I listened to a Buddhist sermon at the temple.
Buddhist preaching or expounding of teachings. More formal than 法話.
高僧の説法に多くの人が集まった。
Many people gathered for the high priest's sermon.
Used in some Christian circles to refer to a sermon, influenced by English 'message'. Less traditional.
今日のメッセージはとても良かった。
Today's message was really good.
The same word as religious sermon, but used figuratively for a lecture or scolding.
母から長い説教をされた。
I got a long lecture from my mother.
彼はいつも説教ばかりする。
He's always preaching at me.
Polite prefix お softens the word slightly, but still implies a scolding or lecture.
先生にお説教された。
I got a lecture from the teacher.
Nagging, scolding, or petty complaints. Less formal than 説教.
また小言が始まった。
The nagging has started again.
Admonition or exhortation, often used in formal or legal contexts.
裁判官から説諭を受けた。
I received an admonition from the judge.