Translation guide
A spire is a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially a church or cathedral. This guide covers how to express this architectural feature in Japanese.
Referring to the tall, pointed structure on a roof, typically of a church or similar building.
The standard term for a spire, literally 'pointed tower'. Used for church spires and similar structures.
Describing a natural rock formation or mountain peak that resembles a spire.
Means 'sharp peak' or 'pinnacle'. Used for pointed mountain tops or rock spires.
尖塔 (せんとう) specifically refers to a pointed spire, while 塔 (とう) is a general term for any tower, pagoda, or tall structure. Use 尖塔 when the pointed shape is important.
教会の尖塔が遠くから見えた。
The church spire was visible from a distance.
That cathedral has a beautiful spire.
Loanword from English 'spire'. Used in architectural contexts, but less common than 尖塔.
The spires of Gothic architecture are distinctive.
Literally 'tip of a tower'. Can describe a spire-like point, but is not a specific architectural term.
A flag stood at the tip of the castle tower.
The mountain is known for its sharp spire.
Literally 'rock tower'. Used for tall, slender rock formations, like those in Bryce Canyon.
The landscape with rows of rock spires is breathtaking.
Simple description meaning 'pointed rock'. Not a technical term, but easily understood.
Several pointed rocks jut out along the coast.