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大司教 — meaning in English: Archbishop

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

Guess the translation for archbishop
状況
jōkyō
大司教
Daishikyō
コットン
kottun
分類
bunrui
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formal common
Usage
Native speakers use '大司教' (Daishikyō) in formal religious contexts, such as in discussions about church hierarchy or during church ceremonies. For instance, when referring to a high-ranking cleric in the Catholic Church or speaking about ecumenical councils, this term is appropriate.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for '大司教' is '司教' (Shikyō), which simply means 'bishop.' While '司教' can refer to any bishop, '大司教' specifically denotes a higher rank, implying authority over multiple bishops. Choose '大司教' when addressing someone with significant ecclesiastical power.
Culture
'大司教' is derived from the characters '大' meaning 'big' or 'great' and '司教' meaning 'bishop.' This term reflects a hierarchical structure within the Christian church in Japan, which has historical roots dating back to the 16th century when European missionaries first introduced Christianity. Interestingly, the role of an archbishop also symbolizes a bridge between different Christian denominations in Japan.
FAQ
Q.What is the role of an 大司教 in the church?
An 大司教 (Daishikyō) oversees multiple dioceses and has the authority to ordain bishops, making strategic decisions for the church's direction. They often represent the church in ecumenical discussions and interfaith dialogue.
Q.How is 大司教 pronounced?
大司教 is pronounced as 'Daishikyō.' It's helpful to break it down: '大' (dai) sounds like 'die' and '司教' (shikyō) sounds like 'she-kyo,' combining for a smooth 'Daishikyō.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 大司教?
A common mistake is confusing 大司教 with other ecclesiastical titles like '司教' (bishop). Remember that 大司教 indicates a higher rank, so use it specifically for archbishops.
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