Translation guide
The English word 'congregation' can refer to a gathering of people for religious worship, the members of a religious community, or a general gathering. This guide focuses on natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, emphasizing common usage and context.
To refer to the group of people who regularly attend a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious service, or the act of gathering for worship.
The most direct equivalent for a religious congregation, especially in Christian contexts. It refers to the assembled worshippers.
会衆は賛美歌を歌った。
The congregation sang a hymn.
Refers to believers or followers of a religion. Can be used for the members of a congregation collectively, though it's broader.
教会の信者たちは毎週日曜日に集まる。
The church congregation gathers every Sunday.
Specifically means 'church members', suitable when referring to the congregation of a Christian church.
教会員は新しい牧師を歓迎した。
The congregation welcomed the new pastor.
A general term for a gathering or assembly, which can be used for religious meetings but is not specific to a congregation. More common for the event than the people.
日曜日の集会には多くの人が参加した。
Many people attended the Sunday congregation.
To refer to any group of people assembled together, not necessarily religious.
The most common and natural word for a gathering or get-together of people. Casual and widely used.
公園に大きな集まりがあった。
There was a large congregation in the park.
A more formal term for an assembly or meeting, often used for organized events.
Refers to a crowd or throng of people, emphasizing a large, often anonymous gathering.
In everyday English, 'congregation' is often used humorously or formally for any gathering. In Japanese, using 会衆 outside religious contexts would sound unnatural. Stick to 集まり or 集会 for general gatherings.
市民の集会が開かれた。
A congregation of citizens was held.
広場には群衆が集まっていた。
A congregation of people had gathered in the square.