How to say "glory" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 栄光えいこうnounThe core word for glory as triumphant honour: the glory of victory, of a nation or of champions. Choose this when glory means fame and honour shining at their height.
- 栄えはえnounGlory as splendour and flourishing: the glory of a house, town or country in its prime. It leans toward splendour and prosperity, so it is seldom the word for a person's triumphant glory.
- 光栄こうえいnoun, na-adjectiveGlory in the sense of honour or privilege felt by the speaker, as when meeting an eminent person. For glory as triumph or splendour it is not the word you want.
- 栄華えいがnounGlory as worldly prosperity and splendour at their height, typically of a family, court or era. It stresses wealth and magnificence rather than honour earned by achievement.
- 英名えいめいnounGlory as an illustrious name: fame and reputation that spread widely. It is really about a renowned reputation, so for glory as triumph or splendour it is seldom the word you want.
Use 栄光 for glory as triumphant honour, 「栄え」 and 栄華 for splendour and flourishing prosperity, 光栄 for the honour or privilege one feels, and 英名 for glory as renowned fame.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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