Translation guide
A person who engages in worship, typically in a religious context. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to refer to a worshipper depends on the religion and setting, with specific terms for Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity, as well as general terms for participants in religious activities.
To refer to a person who visits a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple to pray, make offerings, or participate in rituals.
The most common and neutral term for a person visiting a shrine or temple to worship. It literally means 'person who pays a visit to worship'.
多くの参拝者が初詣に訪れた。
Many worshippers visited the shrine for the first shrine visit of the new year.
Similar to 参拝者 but slightly more formal or literary. Often used for worshippers at famous temples or shrines.
この寺には年間を通じて多くの参詣者が訪れる。
Many worshippers visit this temple throughout the year.
A more casual, everyday expression meaning 'person who goes to pray/worship'. Commonly used in conversation.
お参りの人がたくさん並んでいる。
There are many worshippers lined up.
To refer to a person who attends Christian church services or engages in Christian worship.
The standard term for a Christian worshipper, specifically one who participates in a worship service. It directly corresponds to 'worshipper' in a Christian context.
礼拝者たちは賛美歌を歌った。
The worshippers sang hymns.
Means 'believer' or 'follower of a faith'. In a Christian context, it can refer to a worshipper as a member of the congregation, but it is broader than just 'worshipper'.
教会の信徒が集まって祈りを捧げた。
The church's worshippers gathered and offered prayers.
Specifically means 'church member'. It implies formal membership rather than just attending worship, but can be used for regular worshippers.
To refer to a person who worships a specific god or deity, often in a polytheistic or ancient context.
Means 'worshipper' or 'adorer' in a broad sense, often used for worshippers of a particular deity, idol, or even a person (like a fan). It carries a nuance of deep reverence.
彼は太陽神の崇拝者だった。
He was a worshipper of the sun god.
Commonly means 'believer' or 'follower' of a religion or sect. It can be used for worshippers in the sense of adherents, but it emphasizes belief rather than the act of worship.
To refer to a Muslim engaged in worship, especially ritual prayer.
Also used for Muslim worshippers, especially when referring to those performing salat (ritual prayer). It is the same term as for Christian worshippers.
モスクには多くの礼拝者が集まった。
Many worshippers gathered at the mosque.
The general term for a Muslim. While it means 'follower of Islam', it can be used in contexts where 'worshipper' is implied, but it is not specific to the act of worship.
ムスリムは一日に五回礼拝する。
Muslims worship five times a day.
参拝者 (sanpaisha) is used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. 礼拝者 (reihaisha) is used for Christian and Muslim worship services. 崇拝者 (suuhaisha) is for worshipping a specific deity or idol, and can also mean 'admirer' or 'fan' in secular contexts.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'worshipper'. Using the wrong term can sound unnatural or refer to the wrong religion. Always consider the context: shrine/temple, church, or general deity worship.
彼は熱心な教会員で、毎週礼拝に参加している。
He is a devout church member and attends worship every week.
The worshippers of that god offer prayers every day.