Translation guide
The activity of spreading a religious faith, especially Christianity, often involving teaching, service, and conversion efforts. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 伝道 (evangelism/preaching) or 布教 (propagation of teachings), with nuances depending on context.
To refer to the overall activity of Christian missionaries, including preaching, teaching, and service.
The most common term for Christian missionary work, emphasizing evangelism and spreading the gospel. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to do missionary work'.
彼はアフリカで伝道している。
He is doing missionary work in Africa.
伝道活動に参加する。
Participate in missionary activities.
Refers to propagation of religious teachings, not limited to Christianity. Often used for organized efforts to spread a faith. Slightly more formal than 伝道.
海外での布教活動。
Missionary work overseas.
Specifically Christian term for mission work, often used in formal or theological contexts. Implies proclaiming the Christian message.
宣教師として働く。
Work as a missionary.
To describe spreading a religion other than Christianity, such as Buddhism or Islam.
The standard term for propagation of any religion. Use this for Buddhist, Islamic, or other missionary work.
仏教の布教活動。
Buddhist missionary work.
Primarily Christian, but can be used metaphorically for spreading any belief. Use with caution outside Christian contexts.
Strongly associated with Christianity; may sound odd for other religions.
To emphasize the service aspect of missionary work, such as building schools or providing aid.
Refers to volunteer or service activities. Often used when the focus is on helping others rather than preaching.
教会の奉仕活動に参加する。
Participate in the church's service activities.
Combines evangelism and service, capturing the dual nature of many missionary efforts.
彼らの活動は伝道と奉仕の両方を含む。
Their work includes both evangelism and service.
To describe a short-term trip for missionary purposes.
Literally 'evangelism trip', used for short-term mission trips.
夏に伝道旅行に行く。
Go on a mission trip in the summer.
Similar to 伝道旅行 but more formal, often used by churches or organizations.
宣教旅行の計画を立てる。
Plan a mission trip.
伝道 (でんどう) is the most common and general term for Christian missionary work, focusing on preaching. 布教 (ふきょう) is broader, used for any religion's propagation. 宣教 (せんきょう) is a formal Christian term often used in organizational names (e.g., 宣教団体, mission organization). For everyday conversation about missionary work, 伝道 is usually the best choice.
All three main terms (伝道, 布教, 宣教) can be used with する to mean 'to do missionary work'. Example: 伝道する (to evangelize).
彼女は生涯を伝道に捧げた。
She dedicated her life to missionary work.
彼らは地方で伝道活動に携わっている。
They are involved in missionary work in rural areas.
彼は仏教の伝道に努めた。
He endeavored in Buddhist missionary work.