Welcome! If you’re curious to learn how to say “Bible” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need to use it casually or formally, we’ll guide you through the various ways to express this term. While Japanese has different regional variations, we’ll focus on the standard language. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of the Japanese term for “Bible”!
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying “Bible” in Japanese
When it comes to formal situations or respectful conversations, the common term for “Bible” in Japanese is 」聖書『, pronounced as “Seisho.” The word 」聖書『 consists of two kanji characters: 」聖『 meaning “holy” or “sacred,” and 」書『 meaning “book.” Together, they convey the meaning of a sacred book. This formal term is widely recognized and used in formal settings, academic environments, and religious discussions.
Usage example:
Interviewer: 何か資料をご持参いただきましたか？ (Did you bring any documents?)
Interviewee: はい、このシートは私たちの宗教に関する」聖書『の抜粋です。(Yes, this sheet contains excerpts from our religious 」聖書『.)
Translation:
Interviewer: Did you bring any documents?
Interviewee: Yes, this sheet contains excerpts from our religious 」聖書『.
Informal Ways to Say “Bible” in Japanese
While the formal term 」聖書『 (Seisho) is widely used, there are also more casual and informal ways to refer to the Bible. If you want to use a less formal term when talking with friends or in everyday conversations, you can say 」バイブル『, pronounced as ” baiburu.” This term is a loanword from English and has gained popularity in recent years, especially in youth culture and casual settings.
Usage example:
Friend 1: 最近、新しい」バイブル『を買ったんだ。めっちゃ面白いよ！ (I recently bought a new Bible. It’s so interesting!)
Friend 2: 本当？僕も読んでみたいな！(」聖書『の)何がおもしろいの？ (Really? I want to read it too! What’s interesting about the Bible?)
Translation:
Friend 1: I recently bought a new 」バイブル『. It’s so interesting!
Friend 2: Really? I want to read it too! What’s interesting about the (Bible)?
Summary of Ways to Say “Bible” in Japanese
To summarize, the formal term for “Bible” in Japanese is 」聖書『 (Seisho), commonly used in formal and academic settings. However, if you’re looking for a more casual approach, you can use the loanword 」バイブル『 (baiburu) in everyday conversations or with friends.
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “Bible” in Japanese, feel free to express your thoughts, engage in religious discussions, or share your passion for biblical literature in the most suitable manner. Remember, language is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with others and create meaningful conversations.
Additional Tips for Communicating About the Bible in Japanese
- When referring to specific books within the Bible, you can use the Japanese translation of their names. For example, “Genesis” is 」創世記『, pronounced as “Souseiki,” and “Revelation” is 」黙示録『, pronounced as “Mokushiroku.”
- When quoting specific verses from the Bible in Japanese, it is customary to include the book name, chapter, and verse number. For example, “John 3:16” is expressed as 」ヨハネの福音書3:16『 (John no fukuinsho san jūroku).
- If you encounter religious terms or expressions related to the Bible that are not easily translatable into Japanese, they are often written in katakana, one of the Japanese writing systems reserved for foreign words. This allows for a direct representation of the sound of the foreign term.
Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “Bible” in Japanese, you can confidently explore discussions, deepen your religious knowledge, and engage in conversations with people from various backgrounds. Remember, language is a gateway to understanding, so embrace the opportunity to learn and grow!
ありがとうございました！(Thank you!)
