How to Say "Christ" in Japanese

キリスト

Kirisuto[kʲiɾʲisɨ̥to̞]

The English phrase "Christ" is translated into Japanese as キリスト (Kirisuto). Wiktionary also lists ハリストス (Harisutosu).

Meaning: title for Jesus of Nazareth (name)

Ways to say it

“Christ” in Japanese
Japanese	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA
キリスト	Kirisuto	[kʲiɾʲisɨ̥to̞] (narrow)
ハリストス	Harisutosu

The term is used as a title for Jesus of Nazareth.

While キリスト is the standard term, ハリストス is used specifically in Orthodox Christian contexts or formal liturgical settings.

Kirisuto

The standard Japanese pronunciation キリスト is not a direct phonetic translation of the Greek 'Christos', but is instead an adaptation of the Portuguese word 'Cristo'.
In Japan, キリスト is often associated with commercial events like Christmas, while the term イエス is more commonly used in a spiritual or prayerful context.
The word キリスト is often used in Japanese pop culture, such as in anime or video games, to name powerful characters, sometimes stripping the term of its purely religious weight.

イエス･キリストは私の救い主です。
Jesus Christ is my Savior.
This sentence is useful for identifying the subject as キリスト.
Tatoeba #3605299 by jpshepherd, translation #3605311 by jpshepherd
キリスト教徒はイエス・キリストを信じている。
Christians believe in Jesus Christ.
Tatoeba #1006913 by mookeee, translation #63091 by mervert1
私はイエス・キリストと個人的な関係があります。
I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Tatoeba #3605332 by jpshepherd, translation #3605334 by jpshepherd
Kurisumasu Omedeto! (クリスマスおめでとう！)
Merry Christmas!
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Yui and Yota are discussing their history class.

結衣 Yui

キリストについて勉強していますか？
Kirisuto ni tsuite benkyou shite imasu ka?
Are you studying about Christ?
陽太 Yota

はい、とても興味深いです。
Hai, totemo kyoumibukai desu.
Yes, it is very interesting.
結衣 Yui

キリストの教えは素晴らしいですね。
Kirisuto no oshie wa subarashii desu ne.
The teachings of Christ are wonderful, aren't they?
陽太 Yota

本当にそう思います。
Hontou ni sou omoimasu.
I really think so too.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏