星座
seiza[se̞ːza̠]
The English word "constellation" is translated into Japanese as 星座 (seiza). Wiktionary also lists 星群 (seigun).
Meaning: arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or pattern, or a division of the sky including it (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 星座 | seiza | [se̞ːza̠] (narrow) |
| 星群 | seigun | [se̞ːɡɯ̟̃ɴ] (narrow) |
星座 is the standard term used to refer to a constellation in both everyday conversation and scientific contexts.
Which one should you use?
Use 星座 (seiza) when referring to recognized patterns of stars, such as Orion. In contrast, 星群 (seigun) refers more generally to a star cluster or a group of stars.
How do you pronounce it?
seiza
Did you know?
- The word 座 is also used to describe a 'theater troupe' or a guild of performers. This shared character connects the 'arrangement' of stars to the 'arrangement' of a professional group.
- In ancient Japanese texts, constellations were sometimes referred to as 星宿 (seishuku), a term borrowed from Chinese astronomy that divides the sky into twenty-eight mansions.
- In Japan, the word 星座 is used not only for astronomy but also for astrology. When someone asks for your 'star sign' or zodiac sign, they will ask for your 星座.
Examples in context
- Watashi wa Seiza ga daisuki desu (私は星座が大好きです)I love constellations
- あの星座はとても美しいです。Ano seiza wa totemo utsukushii desu.That constellation is very beautiful.
- 一番好きな星座は何ですか。Ichiban suki na seiza wa nan desu ka.What is your favorite constellation?
- 夏にはたくさんの星座が見えます。Natsu ni wa takusan no seiza ga miemasu.You can see many constellations in summer.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at the night sky in a park.
- 結衣 Yui空にたくさんの星座が見えるね。Sora ni takusan no seiza ga mieru ne.You can see many constellations in the sky, can't you?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。綺麗だね、結衣。Honto da. Kirei da ne, Yui.True. It's beautiful, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui陽太はどの星座が一番好き？Youta wa dono seiza ga ichiban suki?Youta, which constellation do you like best?
- 陽太 Yota僕はオリオン座が好きだよ。Boku wa Orion-za ga suki da yo.I like Orion.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constellation” translations and entries 星座, 星群, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
