神父(しんぷ)

しんぷ
noun
Catholic priest; Father
1. Catholic priest; Father
A priest in the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Church. Used as both a general term and a form of address (like 'Father' in English).
神父(しんぷ)に相談(そうだん)した。
I consulted with the priest.
教会(きょうかい)で神父(しんぷ)がミサを行(おこな)った。
The priest held Mass at the church.
結婚式(けっこんしき)では神父(しんぷ)が二人(ふたり)に誓(ちか)いの言葉(ことば)を述(の)べるよう促(うなが)した。
At the wedding, the priest prompted the two to say their vows.

USAGE:
Specifically refers to Catholic or Orthodox priests. For Protestant ministers, 牧師(ぼくし) is used instead. In Japanese wedding contexts, the officiant at a Christian-style ceremony is often called 神父(しんぷ), though many are actually Protestant ministers.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 神父(しんぷ)さま (Father — respectful address)
  • 神父(しんぷ)に告解(こっかい)する (confess to a priest)
  • 教会(きょうかい)の神父(しんぷ) (the church's priest)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 牧師(ぼくし): pastor, minister — Protestant clergy
  • 僧侶(そうりょ): Buddhist monk/priest
  • 司祭(しさい): priest — more formal/official term for Catholic clergy

NOTE:
Do not confuse with the homophone 新婦(しんぷ) (bride).

Related Words

Homophone: 新婦(しんぷ) (bride)
general
Added 2026.3.19 19:02
17500/17961_shinpu