Translation guide
The English word "scriptures" refers to sacred texts of a religion. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 聖書 (seisho) for the Christian Bible, but other terms exist for Buddhist, Shinto, or other traditions. The choice depends on the religious context.
Referring to the Christian Bible as a whole or its contents.
The standard term for the Christian Bible. Used in both religious and secular contexts.
毎朝、聖書を読んでいます。
I read the scriptures every morning.
聖書の言葉は多くの人に影響を与えた。
The words of the scriptures have influenced many people.
Loanword from English 'Bible'. Often used in casual or non-religious contexts, or when referring to the Bible as a cultural artifact.
この本は料理のバイブルと呼ばれている。
This book is called the bible of cooking.
Referring to the sacred texts of Buddhism.
General term for Buddhist scriptures or sutras. Can also refer to sacred texts of other religions in academic contexts.
仏教の経典は数多く存在する。
There are many Buddhist scriptures.
彼は毎日経典を読誦している。
He chants the scriptures every day.
Honorific term for Buddhist sutras, commonly used in everyday speech, especially in the context of chanting or funerals.
お坊さんがお経をあげた。
The monk chanted the scriptures.
Formal term for Buddhist scriptures, often used in academic or religious studies.
Referring to holy books or scriptures of any religion, or in a generic sense.
General term for sacred scriptures or holy books of any religion. Can be used for the Bible, Quran, Vedas, etc.
イスラム教の聖典はコーランです。
The scripture of Islam is the Quran.
多くの宗教には聖典がある。
Many religions have scriptures.
Refers to the canonical texts of a religion. Slightly more formal and often used in academic or comparative religion contexts.
Referring to scriptures or sacred texts specific to Shinto or Japanese spiritual traditions.
Term for Shinto scriptures or sacred texts, such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
古事記は神道の神典の一つです。
The Kojiki is one of the Shinto scriptures.
聖書 (seisho) almost always means the Christian Bible. 経典 (kyōten) is primarily Buddhist scriptures but can be used generically in academic contexts. 聖典 (seiten) is the safest generic term for 'scriptures' of any religion. When in doubt about the religion, use 聖典.
キリスト教の聖典は聖書です。
The scripture of Christianity is the Bible.
Using 聖書 to refer to Buddhist or Hindu scriptures would be incorrect and confusing. Always match the term to the religious tradition.
仏典の研究は奥が深い。
The study of Buddhist scriptures is profound.
各宗教の教典を比較する。
Compare the scriptures of each religion.