Our Father In Heaven Prayer In Japanese: A Guide

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey there, fellow seekers! Ever wondered how to say the Lord's Prayer, the Our Father, in Japanese? You're in luck! This guide will break down the Japanese translation of this beloved prayer, often called the Lord's Prayer. We'll explore the words, the nuances, and even touch upon some cultural context, making it easier for you to understand and perhaps even recite this prayer in Japanese. This journey will also touch upon related subjects such as the Ten Commandments in Japanese. So, let's dive in, shall we?

The Japanese Translation of the Our Father Prayer

Okay, so the big question: How do you actually say the Our Father in Heaven prayer in Japanese? Here's the most common and widely recognized translation. It’s important to note that, like with any translation, there can be slight variations depending on the translator or the specific version of the Bible used. However, the core meaning and the heart of the prayer remain the same. The original, of course, is in Latin, but for this guide, we'll focus on the Japanese version. Here it is:

天にまします我らの父よ、 (Ten ni mashimasu warera no chichi yo, – Our Father who art in heaven,)
願わくは、御名が聖となさん。 (Negawakuba, Minaga seito nasan. – Hallowed be thy Name.)
御国が来たらん。 (Mikuni ga kitaran. – Thy kingdom come.)
御心（みこころ）の天になるごとく、地にもなさん。 (Mikokoro no ten ni naru gotoku, chi ni mo nasan. – Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.)
我らの日用の糧を、今日もお与えください。 (Warera no nichiyou no kate o, kyou mo oatae kudasai. – Give us this day our daily bread.)
我らの罪を赦し給え。我らも我らに罪を犯す者を赦すごとく。 (Warera no tsumi o yurushi tamae. Warera mo warera ni tsumi o okasu mono o yurusu gotoku. – And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.)
我らを試みにあわせず、悪より救い出し給え。 (Warera o tameshi ni awasezu, aku yori sukui idashi tamae. – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.)
国と力と栄えとは、限りなく汝のものなればなり。アーメン。 (Kuni to chikara to sakae to wa, kagirinaku nanji no mono nareba nari. Aamen. – For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.)

This translation is a beautiful and reverent rendering of the original prayer. It captures the essence of the petition, the praise, and the request for guidance and forgiveness. As you can see, the Japanese version maintains the core structure and intent of the Our Father prayer. The translation is fairly literal in most places, aiming to be both accurate and understandable for Japanese speakers. The phrasing is respectful and appropriate for a prayer, using formal Japanese language. Pay attention to how the words flow together, and you will understand the Japanese translation of the Lord's Prayer. Don’t worry if it seems a bit overwhelming at first; with practice, you'll find it easier to remember and recite.

Breaking Down the Prayer: Word by Word

Alright, let’s get a little deeper. Understanding the Japanese translation of the Our Father prayer becomes much easier when we break it down word by word. This helps in grasping the specific meaning of each phrase and how it contributes to the prayer's overall message. This detailed examination can be especially helpful if you are new to the Japanese language or want to delve deeper into the meaning. Let's start dissecting the prayer phrase by phrase:

天にまします我らの父よ、 (Ten ni mashimasu warera no chichi yo, – Our Father who art in heaven,) - “Ten” means “heaven,” “ni” is a particle indicating location, “mashimasu” is a polite form of “to be,” “warera no” means “our,” and “chichi” means “father.” The “yo” at the end is an exclamation particle, making it a direct address.
願わくは、御名が聖となさん。 (Negawakuba, Minaga seito nasan. – Hallowed be thy Name.) - “Negawakuba” means “we pray” or “may it be so.” “Mi-na” means “your name,” and “seito nasan” means “be hallowed” or “be sanctified.”
御国が来たらん。 (Mikuni ga kitaran. – Thy kingdom come.) - “Mi-kuni” means “your kingdom,” and “ga kitaran” means “may it come.”
御心（みこころ）の天になるごとく、地にもなさん。 (Mikokoro no ten ni naru gotoku, chi ni mo nasan. – Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.) - “Mi-kokoro” means “your will,” “no” indicates possession, “ten ni naru gotoku” means “as it is in heaven,” and “chi ni mo nasan” means “may it be done on earth.”
我らの日用の糧を、今日もお与えください。 (Warera no nichiyou no kate o, kyou mo oatae kudasai. – Give us this day our daily bread.) - “Warera no” means “our,” “nichiyou no kate” means “daily bread,” “kyou mo” means “today also,” and “oatae kudasai” is a polite form of “please give.”
我らの罪を赦し給え。我らも我らに罪を犯す者を赦すごとく。 (Warera no tsumi o yurushi tamae. Warera mo warera ni tsumi o okasu mono o yurusu gotoku. – And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.) - “Warera no tsumi o” means “our sins,” “yurushi tamae” means “forgive us.” The second part of the sentence explains how we forgive others.
我らを試みにあわせず、悪より救い出し給え。 (Warera o tameshi ni awasezu, aku yori sukui idashi tamae. – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.) - “Warera o” means “us,” “tameshi ni awasezu” means “do not lead us into temptation,” “aku yori” means “from evil,” and “sukui idashi tamae” means “deliver us.”
国と力と栄えとは、限りなく汝のものなればなり。アーメン。 (Kuni to chikara to sakae to wa, kagirinaku nanji no mono nareba nari. Aamen. – For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.) - This is a concluding doxology, praising God's power and glory. “Kuni to chikara to sakae to wa” means “the kingdom, the power, and the glory.” “Kagirinaku nanji no mono nareba nari” means “forever yours.” The “Aamen” is the Japanese pronunciation of “Amen.”

Each word is carefully chosen to convey the reverence, humility, and hope inherent in the Our Father prayer. By understanding each component, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of the Japanese translation.

Cultural Context and Pronunciation Tips

When it comes to the Our Father prayer in Japanese, understanding the cultural context can greatly enhance your experience. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, formality, and indirectness. The use of honorifics and polite language is crucial, and the translation reflects these cultural nuances. When reciting the prayer, speaking in a respectful and sincere tone is essential, and this is where learning the words of the Lord's Prayer in Japanese comes into play. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Pronunciation: Japanese pronunciation is generally considered easier than other languages. Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with no silent letters. Focus on mastering the vowel sounds (a, i, u, e, o) and the consonant sounds, and you’ll be well on your way. You can find audio recordings online to help you practice pronunciation. There are many great online resources that will assist you in this endeavor.
Politeness: The Japanese language is steeped in politeness levels. The prayer uses formal and respectful language, so be sure to speak with a clear and respectful tone. This adds a layer of reverence to your recitation.
Context: It's helpful to understand that in Japan, Christianity is a minority religion. While the prayer itself may not be widely known, those familiar with it will appreciate the effort to speak in their language. Pronouncing the Our Father prayer in Japanese correctly will show respect and consideration to others.
Resources: Utilize online dictionaries, pronunciation guides, and even language exchange partners to improve your understanding and pronunciation. There is a plethora of resources available at your fingertips. There is a plethora of helpful tools you can use.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can approach the Japanese translation of the Lord's Prayer with confidence and respect, fostering a deeper spiritual connection.

The Lord's Prayer vs. the Ten Commandments in Japanese

While we're on the subject of Christian faith and Japanese language, it's worth briefly touching upon the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments, a cornerstone of Christian moral teaching, are also translated into Japanese. Although not directly related to the Our Father prayer, they represent another important aspect of Christian faith often studied by believers. The Ten Commandments provide guidance on how to live a life in accordance with God's will. The Japanese translations, similar to the prayer, aim for accuracy while reflecting the cultural nuances of the language. This can be especially useful to those learning Japanese and studying the Bible. Learning both the Lord's Prayer in Japanese and the Ten Commandments provides a foundational understanding of key elements of Christianity.

Similarities: Both the Our Father prayer in Japanese and the Ten Commandments in Japanese require an understanding of formal Japanese. The translations strive for clarity and respect, making them accessible to Japanese speakers.
Differences: The Lord's Prayer is a prayer of praise and petition, while the Ten Commandments are a set of moral guidelines. The structure and language differ, but both convey essential aspects of Christian faith.
Learning Both: Studying both the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments in Japanese can give you a better grasp of the language and a richer comprehension of Christianity in a cultural context.

Conclusion: Embracing the Prayer in Japanese

So there you have it, guys! We've taken a good look at the Our Father in Heaven prayer in Japanese. From the basic translation to breaking down the words and exploring the cultural context, hopefully, this guide has given you a solid foundation. Remember, learning a prayer in another language is not just about memorizing words; it's about connecting with your faith in a new and meaningful way. Keep practicing the pronunciation, embrace the beauty of the language, and enjoy your journey of faith. Whether you're a seasoned Japanese speaker or a curious beginner, learning the Lord's Prayer in Japanese can enrich your spiritual life and deepen your understanding of another culture. Ganbatte (Do your best) and happy praying!