イエス
Iesu[ie̞sɨ]
The English name Jesus is translated into Japanese as イエス (Iesu). Wiktionary also lists イイスス (Iisusu) and イエス・キリスト (Iesu Kirisuto).
Meaning: religious figure (name)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| イエス | Iesu | [ie̞sɨ] (narrow) | |
| イイスス | Iisusu | ||
| イエス・キリスト | Iesu Kirisuto | [ie̞sɨ̥ kʲiɾʲisɨ̥to̞] (narrow) | |
| イエズス | Iezusu | [ie̞zɨsɨ] (narrow) | Catholic, historical |
The term refers to the religious figure Jesus. Depending on the context, different Japanese versions are used to specify religious affiliation or historical nuance.
Which one should you use?
イエス is the most common way to refer to Jesus in modern Japanese, used by Protestants and in general contexts. イエズス is specifically used within Catholic contexts and historical discussions regarding the Jesuit order (イエズス会). イエス・キリスト is the full name for Jesus Christ.
How do you pronounce it?
Iesu
Did you know?
- The name イエス is a learned borrowing from the Latin 'Iēsūs' rather than a direct phonetic copy of the English pronunciation.
- Unlike in English, where 'Jesus' can be used as an interjection of surprise or frustration, saying イエス in Japanese typically only refers to the person or means 'yes'.
- While イエス is the standard name for the religious figure, the same sound is used as a loanword for the English word 'yes'.
Examples in context
- イエス･キリストは私の救い主です。Jesus Christ is my Savior.This sentence shows how to use イエス when referring to Jesus Christ as a Savior.Tatoeba #3605299 by jpshepherd, translation #3605311 by jpshepherd
- イエスを偉大な教師と思う人が多いです。There are many people who think of Jesus as a great teacher.This sentence shows how to use イエス to refer to Jesus as a teacher.Tatoeba #778996 by marloncori, translation #11348782 by Luornu
- 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.This sentence shows how to use イエス when discussing the beliefs of Christians.Tatoeba #1006913 by mookeee, translation #63091 by mervert1
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a painting in a museum.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの絵に描かれているのはイエスですか？Kono e ni egakarete iru no wa Iesu desu ka?Is the person painted in this picture Jesus?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、イエスの肖像画だそうです。Hai, Iesu no shōzōga da sō desu.Yes, I heard it is a portrait of Jesus.
- 大翔 Hirotoとても穏やかな表情をしていますね。Totemo odayaka na hyōjō o shite imasu ne.He has a very peaceful expression, doesn't he?
- 結衣 Yui本当にそうですね。Hontō ni sō desu ne.He really does.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Jesus” translations and entries イエス, イエス・キリスト, イエズス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries イエス, イエス・キリスト, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
