Translation guide
The concept of ordination — the process of being formally consecrated or appointed as a religious minister, priest, or monk — is expressed in Japanese through specific terms depending on the religious tradition and context. This guide covers the most common ways to talk about ordination in Japanese, from general terms to tradition-specific vocabulary.
To refer to the act of being ordained as a minister or priest in a Christian or general religious context.
The standard term for ordination in Christianity, especially Catholic and Protestant contexts. Refers to the conferring of holy orders.
He was ordained as a priest.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'to appoint as a clergy member'. Can be used when the specific term 'ordination' is not required.
彼女は聖職者に任命された。
She was appointed as a clergy member.
To refer to the ceremony or process of becoming a Buddhist monk or nun.
The most common term for Buddhist ordination, literally 'attaining the degree'. It refers to the ceremony of becoming a monk or nun, receiving precepts.
彼は得度して僧侶になった。
He underwent ordination and became a monk.
Literally 'leaving home', this term refers to renouncing secular life to become a monk or nun. It emphasizes the act of leaving worldly life rather than the ceremony itself.
Specifically refers to receiving the Buddhist precepts, a key part of ordination. More technical and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
受戒の儀式が行われた。
The ordination ceremony (precept-receiving) was held.
To refer to becoming a Shinto priest.
The most natural way to say 'to become a Shinto priest'. There is no single word equivalent to 'ordination' in Shinto; this phrase is used instead.
彼は神職になるための修行をした。
He underwent training to become a Shinto priest.
Literally 'appointment as a Shinto priest'. Used in formal contexts to refer to the official appointment.
神職任命の辞令を受けた。
He received a letter of appointment as a Shinto priest.
叙階 (jokai) is used for Christian ordination, while 得度 (tokudo) is used for Buddhist ordination. Using the wrong term can cause confusion, so it's important to know the religious context.
キリスト教では叙階、仏教では得度と言う。
In Christianity it's called jokai, and in Buddhism it's called tokudo.
The English word 'ordination' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as オーディネーション is not natural. Always use the appropriate term based on the religious tradition.
He left home and entered the Buddhist priesthood.