割礼
katsurei
The English word "circumcision" is translated into Japanese as 割礼 (katsurei). If unsure, use 割礼. Wiktionary also lists 包皮切断 (hōhisetsudan) and 包茎手術 (hōkeishujutsu).
Meaning: removal of foreskin from penis (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 割礼 | katsurei |
| 包皮切断 | hōhisetsudan |
| 包茎手術 | hōkeishujutsu |
割礼 is used when discussing the practice of circumcision in a religious, historical or sociological context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 割礼 is composed of the kanji for "divide/cut" (割) and "ritual/etiquette" (礼).
Which one should you use?
While 割礼 is the general term for the practice, 包皮切断 is a more clinical and descriptive term meaning "foreskin excision". In Japanese medical or commercial contexts, you will often encounter 包茎手術, which refers to surgery to correct phimosis. This is the most common way English speakers encounter the concept of circumcision in Japanese medical settings.
How do you pronounce it?
katsurei
Did you know?
- Japan has one of the lowest rates of neonatal circumcision in the world, meaning that when the phrase 包茎手術 is used, it almost always refers to an adult's elective choice rather than an infant's procedure.
- In Japan, the term 包茎 ('phimosis') is frequently used to describe any uncircumcised penis, even when there is no medical condition present.
- The character 礼 in 割礼 is the same character used to describe general manners and greetings in Japanese society.
Examples in context
- 男性の割礼が、性器ヘルペスや癌の原因にもなるウイルス感染のリスクを軽減します。Male circumcision decreases the risk of viral infections that cause herpes and cancer.This sentence is useful for discussing how 割礼 can reduce the risk of certain viral infections.Tatoeba #401877 by Grayster, translation #401878 by Grayster
- 今週、割礼の手術をする予定です。I have a circumcision surgery scheduled for this week.
- 割礼は宗教的な儀式として行われることがあります。Katsurei wa shūkyō-teki na gishiki to shite okonawareru koto ga arimasu.Circumcision is sometimes performed as a religious ritual.
- 割礼のメリットについて調べています。Katsurei no meritto ni tsuite shirabete imasu.I am researching the benefits of circumcision.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing cultural differences.
- 健太 Kenta一部の国では、割礼が一般的だね。ichibu no kuni deva, katsurei ga ippanteki da ne.In some countries, circumcision is common.
- 陽葵 Himari日本人はあまりしないのかな？nihonjin wa amari shinai no kana?I wonder if Japanese people don't do it often?
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。日本では珍しいと思う。sō da ne. nihon deva mezurashii to omou.That's true. I think it's rare in Japan.
- 陽葵 Himari文化によって全然違うんだね。bunka ni yotte zenzen chigau n da ne.It's completely different depending on the culture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circumcision” translations and entries 割礼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
