Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Karma" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "karma", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
宿業
しゅくごう (shukugou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
羯磨
かつま
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "karma" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 宿業 and 羯磨.
In Japanese, 宿業 (しゅくごう (shukugou)) is typically associated with "karma from a previous life" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 羯磨 (かつま) maps to "Karma (in a ritual sense); a formal act or ceremony performed by a quorum of monks, such as an ordination." (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "karma" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "宿業"
私は宿業に興味があります。
I am interested in karma from a previous life.
Bilingual Context for "羯磨"
私は羯磨に興味があります。
I am interested in Karma (in a ritual sense); a formal act or ceremony performed by a quorum of monks, such as an ordination..
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in karma from a previous life.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "宿業" fits here because it means "karma from a previous life" in the context of: "I am interested in karma from a previous life.". "羯磨" represents "Karma (in a ritual sense); a formal act or ceremony performed by a quorum of monks, such as an ordination.".