Translation guide
The state, office, or collective body of priests. In Japanese, this concept is expressed differently depending on whether you mean the clerical office, the collective group of priests, or the religious system. There is no single direct equivalent.
Referring to the role, status, or condition of serving as a priest.
Specifically the office or position of a priest, especially in Christian contexts. Can also be used for other religions.
彼は司祭職に就いた。
He entered the priesthood.
The office of a Buddhist priest or monk. Used in Buddhist contexts.
彼は僧職を退いた。
He retired from the priesthood.
The office of a Shinto priest. Refers to the position or occupation.
神職に就くには資格が必要だ。
Qualifications are required to enter the priesthood (Shinto).
A more literal, explanatory phrase meaning 'the state of being a priest'. Less natural but clear.
司祭であることは大きな責任を伴う。
The priesthood comes with great responsibility.
Referring to priests as a group or class.
Clergy or clergymen; can refer to the collective body of priests in a general sense, often Christian.
聖職者たちはその改革に反対した。
The priesthood opposed the reform.
Buddhist priests or monks collectively. Can be used to refer to the priesthood as a group.
Shinto priests collectively. Often used in historical or formal contexts.
A specific group or body of priests, like a college of priests. More organizational.
司祭団が新しい司教を選出した。
The priesthood elected a new bishop.
Referring to the religious institution or hierarchical system of priests.
The priestly system or institution, often used in academic or religious studies contexts.
旧約聖書における祭司制度について学ぶ。
Study the priesthood in the Old Testament.
The clerical system, including priesthood. Broader term.
中世ヨーロッパの聖職制度は強力だった。
The priesthood in medieval Europe was powerful.
Japanese does not have a single word that covers all meanings of 'priesthood'. You must choose the term based on religion (Christian, Buddhist, Shinto) and whether you mean the office, the group, or the system.
When translating 'priesthood', first determine the religious context. For Christianity, use 司祭 (shisai) for priest and related terms. For Buddhism, use 僧 (sō) or 僧侶 (sōryo). For Shinto, use 神主 (kannushi) or 神職 (shinshoku).
The priesthood chants sutras every morning.
神官たちは神社に仕えている。
The priesthood serves at the shrine.