教会

• Reading: きょうかい
• Romaji: kyoukai
• Kanji breakdown: 教 (kyou/oshi) — teach, religion; 会 (kai/a) — meeting, gathering
• Pronunciation: /kʲo.ɯ.ka.i/

Meaning

A church. A building used for Christian worship services.

While Japan is not predominantly Christian, 教会 is a well-known word due to Western weddings and Christmas celebrations. Many Japanese couples choose to have their wedding ceremony at a chapel or church, even if they are not Christian.

Examples

1. 日曜日に教会へ行きます。 I go to church on Sundays.
2. あの教会はとても古くて美しい建物です。 That church is a very old and beautiful building.
3. 友達の結婚式は教会で行われた。 My friend's wedding was held at a church.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, weddings, sightseeing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 教 (kyou, teaching/religion) and 会 (kai, gathering/meeting). Literally a 'gathering for religious teaching,' coined during the introduction of Christianity to Japan.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal