Translation guide
The English word "tabernacle" has two main uses: a religious sense referring to a sacred dwelling place or container, and a broader architectural sense for a large worship space. This guide focuses on the religious meaning, which is the most common context for learners.
To refer to the portable sanctuary of the Israelites, or a fixed container for the Eucharist in Christian churches.
Specifically refers to the biblical Tabernacle, the portable earthly dwelling of God used by the Israelites during the Exodus. This is the standard term in Japanese Bible translations.
To refer to a large, often ornate, church building used for worship, especially in certain Protestant denominations.
The English word 'tabernacle' is rarely used outside of specific religious or historical contexts. In Japanese, using 幕屋 or 聖櫃 for a generic tent or container would be incorrect. Always consider the intended meaning first.
幕屋 (まくや) refers to the biblical tent sanctuary, while 聖櫃 (せいひつ) refers to the fixed container in a church. They are not interchangeable.
Moses built the tabernacle in the wilderness.
Refers to the tabernacle as a fixed container or cabinet where the consecrated Eucharist is kept in Catholic and some Protestant churches. Often translated as 'tabernacle' in this specific liturgical sense.
教会の聖櫃には聖体が安置されている。
The Eucharist is kept in the church's tabernacle.
A direct loanword from English, sometimes used in Christian contexts, especially in the names of churches or gospel music. Not commonly used in everyday Japanese.
タバナクル合唱団のコンサートに行った。
I went to a concert by the Tabernacle Choir.
A general term for a chapel or place of worship. Can be used for a large church hall, but does not carry the specific 'tabernacle' nuance of a large, sometimes temporary, worship space.
その巨大な礼拝堂は何千人も収容できる。
That huge tabernacle can hold thousands of people.
Often used for Protestant church buildings, especially those of a larger or more public nature. Can be translated as 'tabernacle' in some church names.
ムーディー会堂はシカゴにある有名な教会です。
Moody Tabernacle is a famous church in Chicago.
When referring to a specific church named 'Tabernacle', it is often best to keep the English name or use the established Japanese name if one exists. For example, 'Mormon Tabernacle' is often left as モルモンタバナクル.
ソルトレイク・タバナクルは観光名所です。
The Salt Lake Tabernacle is a tourist attraction.