十字のしるし
jūji no shirushi
The English phrase "the sign of the cross" is translated into Japanese as 十字のしるし (jūji no shirushi).
Which one should you use?
While 十字のしるし refers to the ritual gesture, the word 十字架 refers to the physical object of a cross.
How do you pronounce it?
jūji no shirushi
Did you know?
- The word 十字 literally means 'ten' and 'cross'. The number ten 十 is used because the character itself is shaped like a cross.
- In Japan, the gesture of 十字のしるし is often associated with the 'hidden Christians' Kakure Kirishitan who practiced their faith in secret for centuries to avoid persecution.
- In Japanese pop culture, such as anime and manga, characters performing 十字のしるし is often used as a visual shorthand to signal that a character is an exorcist or a priest.
Examples in context
- 十字のしるしをします。juujino shirushi o shimasu.I make the sign of the cross.
- 彼は十字のしるしをしました。kare wa juujino shirushi o shimashita.He made the sign of the cross.
- 祈りの前に十字のしるしをします。inori no mae ni juujino shirushi o shimasu.I make the sign of the cross before praying.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing religious customs at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui十字のしるしって何ですか？juujino shirushi tte nan desu ka?What is the sign of the cross?
- 陽太 Yotaキリスト教の儀式ですよ。kirisutokyou no gishiki desu yo.It is a Christian ritual.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんはそれをしますか？younata-san wa sore o shimasu ka?Do you do that, Youta?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、よくします。hai, yoku shimasu.Yes, I do it often.
