How to Say "Christian" in Japanese

キリスト教徒

Kirisuto kyōto[kʲiɾʲisɨto̞ kʲo̞ːto̞]

In Japanese, 'christian' can be expressed as クリスチャン or キリスト教徒 (Kirisuto kyōto).

Meaning: member of the Christian religion (noun)

Ways to say it

“christian” in Japanese
Japanese	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA
キリスト教徒	Kirisuto kyōto	[kʲiɾʲisɨto̞ kʲo̞ːto̞] (narrow)
クリスチャン	kurisuchan	[kɯ̟ɾʲisɨt͡ɕã̠ɴ] (narrow)

The term refers to a member of the Christian religion. To refer to the religion itself, use キリスト教.

The formal term キリスト教徒 is composed of キリスト教 (Christianity) and 徒 (follower, disciple or member), literally meaning 'Christian follower'.

クリスチャン is a loanword used in casual conversation and is more common in daily speech. In contrast, キリスト教徒 is a more descriptive and formal term.

The word キリスト教徒 does not change its form for plural nouns. The context determines whether it is singular or plural.

Kirisuto kyōto

Historically, キリスト教徒 were severely persecuted during the Edo period, leading some to practice their faith in secret as 'Kakure Kirishitan'.
It is common for some Japanese people to follow both Buddhist and キリスト教 traditions, such as having a Christian wedding and a Buddhist funeral.
In Japan, 'Christmas Eve' is often treated as a romantic date night for couples rather than a religious observance for キリスト教徒.

トムはクリスチャンなの？
Is Tom a Christian?
The first sentence is used to ask if Tom is a christian using クリスチャン.
Tatoeba #8746138 by bunbuku, translation #2262065 by CK
クリスチャンになりたいです。
I would like to become a Christian.
The second sentence expresses a desire to become a christian using クリスチャン.
Tatoeba #11851940 by small_snow, translation #10160126 by ddnktr
「ムスリムさん？」「そうよ。あなたは？」「私はクリスチャン」
"Are you a Muslim?" "Yes, what about you?" "I'm a Christian."
The third sentence shows a conversation about religious identity using クリスチャン.
Tatoeba #13028726 by small_snow, translation #13059567 by araneo
彼はキリスト教徒です。
He is a Christian.
キリスト教徒の友人と一緒に祈ります。
I pray together with my Christian friend.
わたしはクリスチャンではありません。
I am not a Christian.
彼はクリスチャンで、教会に週に一度行っています。
He is a Christian and goes to church once a week.
11 more sentences on Tatoeba

Misaki and Ren are discussing their family backgrounds.

美咲 Misaki

蓮さんのご家族はキリスト教徒ですか？
Ren-san no go-kazoku wa kirisutokyōto desu ka?
Is your family Christian, Ren?
蓮 Ren

はい、父と母は二人ともキリスト教徒です。
Hai, chichi to haha wa futari tomo kirisutokyōto desu.
Yes, both my father and mother are Christians.
美咲 Misaki

そうなんですね。意外です。
Sō nan desu ne. Igai desu.
I see. That's unexpected.
蓮 Ren

僕だけはキリスト教徒ではありません。
Boku dake wa kirisutokyōto de wa arimasen.
I'm the only one who isn't a Christian.

Sources

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