祝福する
shukufuku suru
The English phrase 'bless' is translated into Japanese as 祝福する (shukufuku suru). Wiktionary also lists 恵む (megumu).
Meaning: confer blessing on (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 祝福する | shukufuku suru | |
| 恵む | megumu | [me̞ɡɯ̟mɯ̟] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the way you say 'bless' depends on whether you are referring to a ceremonial act or the granting of resources. To express that someone is 'blessed,' speakers often use the phrase 祝福を受ける, meaning 'to receive a blessing'. Additionally, the verb 祈る (to pray) can be used to express the concept of blessings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 祝福 is composed of 祝 (celebrate) and 福 (good fortune/happiness).
Which one should you use?
There is a nuance between 祝福する and 恵む. 祝福する is used for the act of conferring a blessing, often through words, prayers or formal ceremonies. In contrast, 恵む is used when a higher power or nature blesses someone with resources, such as rain, talent or wealth.
How do you pronounce it?
shukufuku suru
Did you know?
- In some Japanese media, the term 神の祝福 (kami no shukufuku) is used to sound more Western or Christian-influenced, whereas traditional Shinto contexts might use different phrasing for divine favor.
- The word 福 in 祝福 is the same character used in 福引, which refers to a lottery or a lucky draw. This connects the concept of a blessing to the idea of winning a prize.
- The character 祝 in 祝福 is also used in 祝詞 ('norito'), which are the formal ritual prayers recited by Shinto priests to invite the gods.
Examples in context
- 神があなたを祝福します。May God bless you.
- 私たちは君に御加護を与えます。We will give you our blessings.
- 私たちはあなたの幸福を祈っています。We are praying for your happiness and well-being.
- 新しい門出を祝福する。Atarashii kadode o shukufuku suru.I bless your new beginning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bless” translations and entries 恵む, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
