Translation guide
The study of how celestial bodies influence human affairs. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 占星術, but the broader term 占い covers fortune-telling in general. Distinguish from 天文学 (astronomy).
Referring to the practice or field of astrology, such as Western or Chinese astrology.
The standard term for astrology as a system, especially Western astrology. Used in formal and casual contexts.
彼女は占星術を勉強している。
She is studying astrology.
占星術では、星座が性格に影響を与えると考えられている。
In astrology, zodiac signs are thought to influence personality.
Literally 'star fortune-telling'. More casual and commonly used in daily conversation, often referring to horoscopes.
今日の星占いを見た？
Did you check today's horoscope?
Loanword from English. Used in some contexts, but less common than native terms.
彼はアストロロジーに詳しい。
He is knowledgeable about astrology.
When 'astrology' is used loosely to mean fortune-telling or divination, not specifically star-based.
General term for fortune-telling, including astrology, palm reading, tarot, etc. Use this when the specific method isn't important.
占いを信じますか？
Do you believe in astrology/fortune-telling?
彼は占いで将来を予測する。
He predicts the future through astrology.
Referring to a specific astrological forecast, like in a newspaper or app.
Commonly used for horoscopes. Can be used interchangeably with 占星術 in casual contexts.
雑誌の星占いコーナーが好きだ。
I like the horoscope section in magazines.
Referring to the 12-animal zodiac system (rat, ox, etc.) often associated with years.
The Chinese zodiac signs. Often used in New Year contexts and personality descriptions.
来年の干支は辰です。
Next year's zodiac sign is the dragon.
干支占いでは、相性がわかる。
Chinese zodiac astrology can tell you about compatibility.
The twelve earthly branches, more formal term for the zodiac animals.
Clarifying the difference between astrology and astronomy, as the English word 'astrology' is sometimes confused.
In Japanese, these are distinct words. Use 天文学 for the scientific study of celestial objects.
占星術は科学ではなく、天文学は科学です。
Astrology is not science; astronomy is science.
The English word 'astrology' is sometimes mistakenly used for 'astronomy'. In Japanese, 天文学 (てんもんがく) is astronomy, a natural science. 占星術 is astrology, a form of divination.
If you're unsure whether to use 占星術 or a more specific term, 占い is a safe, general word for fortune-telling that includes astrology. It's widely understood and natural in conversation.
Loanword for 'horoscope'. Used in technical or Western astrology contexts.
ホロスコープを作成するには生年月日が必要だ。
You need the date of birth to create a horoscope.
The twelve zodiac signs were introduced from China.