Translation guide
The Christian sacrament of initiation, involving water. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific religious terms, with distinctions between Protestant and Catholic usage, as well as metaphorical extensions.
Referring to the religious rite of baptism in Christianity.
The most common and general term for baptism in Japanese, used across Christian denominations. Can also be used metaphorically.
彼は先週洗礼を受けた。
He was baptized last week.
A transliteration of 'baptism', commonly used in Protestant contexts. Often implies immersion.
バプテスマの儀式が川で行われた。
The baptism ceremony was held at the river.
Literally 'baptism ceremony', emphasizing the formal ritual aspect.
洗礼式は日曜日の礼拝後に行われます。
The baptism ceremony will be held after the Sunday service.
Specifically referring to baptism in the Catholic Church.
Also used in Catholic contexts, but may be specified as カトリックの洗礼.
カトリックの洗礼は幼児洗礼が一般的です。
Infant baptism is common in the Catholic Church.
Theological term for the sacrament of baptism in Catholicism.
洗礼の秘跡はキリスト教入信の第一歩です。
The sacrament of baptism is the first step of Christian initiation.
Using 'baptism' figuratively to mean a first experience or initiation into something.
Commonly used metaphorically, as in 'baptism by fire'.
新入社員は仕事の厳しさの洗礼を受けた。
The new employee got a baptism of fire in the harshness of the job.
洗礼 is the broader, more common term used across denominations and in metaphorical contexts. バプテスマ is a transliteration often preferred by Protestant churches, especially those practicing immersion. In everyday conversation, 洗礼 is more widely understood.