Translation guide
A stone monument is a structure made of stone, often erected to commemorate a person, event, or idea. In Japanese, the most common term is 石碑 (sekihi), but other words like 記念碑 (kinenhi) or モニュメント (monyumento) are used depending on context.
A stone pillar or slab with inscriptions, often found in temples, parks, or historical sites.
The most common and general term for a stone monument, especially one with inscriptions. Used for historical markers, gravestones, and commemorative stones.
公園に古い石碑がある。
There is an old stone monument in the park.
この石碑には漢詩が刻まれている。
A Chinese poem is carved on this stone monument.
Literally 'stone monument', less common than 石碑 but still used. Can sound slightly more descriptive.
山道に石の碑が立っていた。
A stone monument stood along the mountain path.
Refers to a stone pagoda or stupa, often a multi-tiered monument. More specific than a general stone monument.
寺の境内に五重の石塔がある。
There is a five-story stone pagoda in the temple grounds.
A structure built to honor a person, group, or event, often in public spaces.
Specifically a monument built to commemorate something. Often used for war memorials, peace monuments, or statues.
戦争の犠牲者を追悼する記念碑が建てられた。
A monument was erected to mourn the victims of the war.
広場の中央に大きな記念碑がある。
There is a large monument in the center of the square.
Loanword from English, often used for modern or Western-style monuments. Can sound trendy or artistic.
A monument specifically for comforting the spirits of the dead, often found at war memorials or disaster sites.
原爆ドームの近くに慰霊碑がある。
There is a memorial monument near the Atomic Bomb Dome.
A stone marker placed at a grave.
The standard term for a gravestone. Used in cemeteries and family graves.
お墓に新しい墓石を建てた。
We erected a new gravestone at the grave.
Can also refer to a gravestone, especially older or simpler ones, but 墓石 is more precise.
A large natural rock or stone that serves as a landmark or monument.
Refers to a huge stone or megalith, often natural but sometimes used as a monument.
その巨石は古代の遺跡と考えられている。
That huge stone is thought to be an ancient monument.
石碑 (sekihi) is the most general term for a stone monument with inscriptions, often historical or religious. 記念碑 (kinenhi) emphasizes the commemorative purpose, like a war memorial. モニュメント (monyumento) is a loanword used for modern, often artistic monuments, and can include non-stone materials.
If the monument is a carved figure of a person or animal, use 石像 (sekizō) instead. 石碑 and 記念碑 usually refer to pillars, slabs, or abstract structures.
新しい公園にモニュメントが設置された。
A monument was installed in the new park.
Moss-covered stone monuments line the old cemetery.