十字架(じゅうじか)

じゅうじか
noun
cross; crucifix
religion
1. cross; crucifix
The Christian cross or crucifix as a religious symbol. Also refers to the physical object.
教会(きょうかい)の上(うえ)に十字架(じゅうじか)がある。
There is a cross on top of the church.
首(くび)から十字架(じゅうじか)のネックレスを下(さ)げている。
She is wearing a cross necklace around her neck.
キリストは十字架(じゅうじか)にかけられたと伝(つた)えられている。
It is said that Christ was crucified on the cross.
2. burden; cross to bear
Used figuratively to mean a heavy burden or responsibility that one must endure.
その過去(かこ)は彼(かれ)にとって重(おも)い十字架(じゅうじか)だ。
That past is a heavy cross for him to bear.
責任者(せきにんしゃ)として、その失敗(しっぱい)の十字架(じゅうじか)を背負(せお)い続(つづ)けている。
As the person in charge, he continues to bear the cross of that failure.
あの事故(じこ)は一生(いっしょう)の十字架(じゅうじか)になるだろう。
That accident will be a cross to bear for a lifetime.

Usage

Sense 1 is the literal religious object. Sense 2 is a figurative extension meaning a heavy burden or guilt, similar to the English expression "cross to bear." The figurative use is common in literary and dramatic contexts.

Common collocations

general
Added 2026.3.19 15:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
17500/17853_juujika