Translation guide
The English word 'canon' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: an established body of works (literary/musical canon), a general principle or rule, and a religious law or decree. It also touches on the musical form and the title for a church official.
Referring to the set of works considered to be the most important or authentic in a particular field, such as the literary canon or the Western canon.
Literally 'correct/authoritative text'. Used for a canon of sacred or authoritative writings, and by extension for a literary or artistic canon.
シェイクスピアは英文学の正典に含まれている。
Shakespeare is included in the canon of English literature.
Loanword from English/German. Often used in academic or critical contexts, especially for the Western canon or musical canon.
西洋音楽のカノンを見直す動きがある。
There is a movement to reexamine the canon of Western music.
Means 'major works group'. A descriptive phrase that can be used when 'canon' feels too academic.
この作家の主要作品群は広く読まれている。
This author's canon is widely read.
Referring to a fundamental principle or accepted rule, often in a professional or artistic context.
Means 'norm', 'standard', or 'model'. Commonly used for principles of conduct or artistic standards.
彼の行動は道徳の規範に反している。
His behavior goes against the canons of morality.
Means 'standard' or 'criterion'. Slightly more concrete than 規範, often used for measurable standards.
Means 'principle' or 'general rule'. Suitable for fundamental rules in a field.
Referring to church law, a decree by a church council, or the list of books accepted as genuine Holy Scripture.
Specifically 'canon law' (the law of the church). Use this for legal codes within a church.
この問題は教会法に基づいて判断される。
This matter is judged according to canon law.
Means 'sacred scriptures' or 'canonical books'. Used for the officially recognized books of the Bible or other religious texts.
Also used in theological contexts for the biblical canon, often in academic writing.
Referring to the musical composition where a melody is imitated by successive voices.
The standard term for the musical form. Well-known from pieces like Pachelbel's Canon.
パッヘルベルのカノンは結婚式でよく演奏される。
Pachelbel's Canon is often played at weddings.
Specifically a 'round' or 'circular canon' for voices. Often used for simple canons like 'Frère Jacques'.
Referring to a clergy member serving on the staff of a cathedral.
The standard term for a canon in the Anglican or Catholic church context. Literally 'member of a council'.
彼は大聖堂の参事会員に任命された。
He was appointed a canon of the cathedral.
Sometimes used as a direct loanword for the title, but 参事会員 is clearer.
カノン・スミス師が式を執り行った。
Canon Smith officiated the ceremony.
Both can translate 'canon' for authoritative texts. 正典 (seiten) emphasizes correctness and authority, often used for literary or artistic canons. 聖典 (seiten, same reading but different kanji) specifically means 'sacred scriptures' and is used for religious canons like the Bible. Be careful with context.
この小説は20世紀文学の正典だ。
This novel is a canon of 20th-century literature.
仏教の聖典は数多くある。
There are many Buddhist canons.
When 'canon' means a general rule or standard, translating it directly as カノン is often unnatural. Use 規範, 基準, or 原則 instead, depending on the nuance.
The canons of beauty change with the times.
建築の原則に従って設計された。
It was designed according to the canons of architecture.
その文書は聖典に含まれていない。
That document is not included in the canon.
The biblical canon was established in the 4th century.
子供たちが輪唱を歌った。
The children sang a canon.