Translation guide
The English word "grace" covers several distinct meanings: elegance of movement, courteous goodwill, a prayer of thanks, a period of delay, and a religious concept of divine favor. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing someone or something that moves or appears in a smooth, attractive, and seemingly effortless way.
The most common and versatile word for grace as elegance, refinement, and beauty. Can describe people, movements, architecture, and lifestyle.
彼女のダンスはとても優雅だ。
Her dancing is very graceful.
そのホテルは優雅な雰囲気がある。
The hotel has a graceful atmosphere.
Graceful in a supple, flexible, and resilient way. Often used for physical movements, dancers, athletes, or even materials like fabric.
彼女のしなやかな動きに目を奪われた。
I was captivated by her graceful, supple movements.
Grace that implies dignity, class, and refinement. Often used for a person's bearing or atmosphere.
彼女は気品がある。
She has grace (dignity/class).
Graceful and flowing, often used for calligraphy, music, or writing style. More literary.
彼の書は流麗だ。
His calligraphy is graceful and flowing.
Showing kindness, politeness, or forgiveness, especially in social interactions.
Thoughtfulness and consideration for others. Captures the generous, kind aspect of grace.
彼は思いやりを持って接してくれた。
He treated me with grace (thoughtfulness).
Magnanimity, generosity of spirit. Used when grace means forgiving or not holding a grudge.
彼女は敗北を認める寛大さを持っていた。
She had the grace to admit defeat.
Politeness and proper manners. Grace in the sense of social decorum.
彼はいつも礼儀正しさを忘れない。
He never forgets his grace (politeness).
Gentleness and kindness. A simpler, more everyday word for grace in behavior.
彼女の優しさに感謝している。
I'm grateful for her grace (kindness).
Saying grace at the table.
Literally 'prayer before the meal'. The standard term for saying grace.
彼は食前の祈りを捧げた。
He said grace before the meal.
A more general term for prayer, often used in Christian contexts. Can be used for grace if context is clear.
食事の前にお祈りをしましょう。
Let's say grace before the meal.
Prayer of thanks. Emphasizes the gratitude aspect.
彼らは感謝の祈りを唱えた。
They said a grace of thanksgiving.
Extra time given as a courtesy, e.g., for payment or compliance.
Grace period, reprieve, or postponement. Used in legal, financial, and formal contexts.
支払いには30日の猶予がある。
There is a 30-day grace period for payment.
Grace period. More explicit compound.
Postponement or extension. Can be used for grace in the sense of extra time, but less specific.
The free and unmerited favor of God, as in Christian theology.
Grace, blessing, or favor from God. The standard term in Christian contexts.
神の恵みによって救われる。
Saved by the grace of God.
Divine grace, especially in theological writings. More formal and literary.
Divine protection or blessing. Often used in Shinto or general spiritual contexts, not specifically Christian grace.
神の加護を祈る。
Pray for divine grace/protection.
Grace as a charming or endearing trait, often in a person's manner.
The English word 'grace' is often translated as 優雅 (ゆうが), but in many contexts, other words like しなやか or 気品 may be more natural. Consider the specific nuance: 優雅 is refined elegance, しなやか is supple gracefulness, and 気品 is dignified grace.
恵み (めぐみ) is the common, everyday word for God's grace in Christian contexts. 恩寵 (おんちょう) is more formal and theological, often seen in written texts. In spoken prayer or conversation, 恵み is preferred.
In Japan, saying grace before meals is not a common cultural practice outside of Christian families. The phrase いただきます (itadakimasu) is a customary expression of gratitude before eating, but it is not a prayer. To explicitly refer to a Christian grace, use 食前の祈り (しょくぜんのいのり).
彼女は優雅に踊った。
She danced with grace.
彼は謝るだけの寛大さがあった。
He had the grace to apologize.
彼らは夕食の前に食前の祈りを捧げた。
They said grace before dinner.
銀行は一週間の猶予をくれた。
The bank gave us a week's grace.
神の恵みによって。
By the grace of God.
猶予期間は一週間です。
The grace period is one week.
He asked for a grace period on his debt repayment.
恩寵の概念はキリスト教の中心です。
The concept of grace is central to Christianity.
His way of speaking has grace (charm).