司祭 — meaning in English: A priest

shisai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for priest

司祭

shisai

特権

tokken

コピー

kopī

クソ野郎

kusoyarō

インジケータ

injikēta

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers typically use the word 司祭 (shisai) in religious contexts, particularly when referring to Christian priests in Japan. You might hear this term during church services, discussions about religious practices, or when attending a wedding or a baptism.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 神父 (shinpu), which specifically refers to a Catholic priest. While 司祭 (shisai) can refer to priests in various Christian denominations, you would use 神父 (shinpu) when speaking about Catholicism in particular, highlighting the specific context of the conversation.

Culture

The word 司祭 (shisai) has its roots in the Chinese characters '司' (to manage) and '祭' (to offer a sacrifice), reflecting the role of a priest as a mediator between the divine and the community. In Japan, priests play significant roles not only in religious ceremonies but also in cultural traditions, bridging the gap between ancient rituals and modern spirituality.

FAQ

Q.What does 司祭 mean in English?

The word 司祭 (shisai) translates to 'priest' in English, referring to a religious leader who performs rituals and offers guidance in various faiths.

Q.How is 司祭 used in a sentence?

You can use 司祭 in a sentence like: 'The 司祭 (shisai) delivered a heartfelt sermon at the church service yesterday.'

Q.Are there other words for priest in Japanese?

Yes, besides 司祭 (shisai) and 神父 (shinpu), there’s also 僧侶 (sōryo), which typically refers to a Buddhist monk or priest. Each term has a different connotation and context.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000