How to say "ceremony" in Japanese

• 儀式ぎしきJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe general, default word for a ceremony, rite, or ritual — a wedding, graduation, religious or formal observance. When unsure which word to use for 'ceremony', this is usually the safest choice.
  この儀式ぎしきは幾いく世代せだいにもわたって伝つたわってきた。↗

  This ceremony has been handed down from generation to generation.
• 儀ぎCommon
  nounCovers 'ceremony' only as a bound element; on its own it is not how you refer to a ceremony in a sentence. It appears chiefly in set expressions and compounds, so learners should not reach for it as a standalone word.
• 式典しきてんCommon
  nounA formal ceremony or rites, typically an official public occasion such as an opening, commemoration, or national event. It carries a stately, institutional flavor rather than everyday personal ceremonies.
  彼かれはその式典しきてんで堂々どうどうと振る舞ふるまった。↗

  He bore himself well at the ceremony.
• セレモニーJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe loanword for 'ceremony', used for ceremonial events and occasions, often with a slightly Western or stylish feel, as in sports or business contexts. Interchangeable with 儀式 in many settings.
• 典礼てんれいCommon
  no-adjectiveCovers ceremony and etiquette, and is the usual word for the Catholic liturgy. Outside religious usage it is a formal, learned word for ceremonial observances, not an everyday way to say 'ceremony'.

Use 儀式 for ceremonies and rituals in general, 式典 for formal public ceremonies, 「セレモニー」 as the loanword for ceremonial events, 儀 mainly in set expressions, and 典礼 for religious rites and liturgy.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 儀式ぎしきceremony
• 儀ぎceremony
• 式典しきてんceremony
• セレモニーceremony
• 典礼てんれいceremony
• 儀典ぎてんceremony
• 典てんceremony
• 式法しきほうceremony
• 栄典えいてんhonours
• 式しきceremony
• 儀仗ぎじょうceremony
• 礼れいceremony
• お礼おれいceremony