Translation guide
A member of a 16th–17th century English Protestant group seeking to purify the Church of England. In Japanese, the term is usually rendered as 清教徒 (せいきょうと) for the historical group, while the lowercase 'puritan' (a person with strict moral views) is expressed with words like 厳格主義者 (げんかくしゅぎしゃ) or 禁欲主義者 (きんよくしゅぎしゃ).
Referring to a member of the 16th–17th century English Protestant movement that sought to purify the Church of England.
Describing a person who is strict in moral or religious matters, often avoiding pleasures; can be used critically.
Literally 'strict principle person'. Conveys the idea of someone who adheres rigidly to moral rules. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
彼は酒もタバコもやらない厳格主義者だ。
He's a puritan who doesn't drink or smoke.
When calling someone a 'puritan' in the modern, often critical sense, directly using 清教徒 may confuse Japanese speakers because it strongly refers to the historical group. Use 厳格主義者 or 禁欲主義者 instead, or rephrase to describe the behavior.
The standard term for the historical Puritans. Used in historical and religious contexts.
清教徒たちは1620年にメイフラワー号でアメリカに渡った。
The Puritans sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620.
A direct loanword from English, used in some academic or popular contexts. Less common than 清教徒.
ピューリタンの信仰は勤勉と禁欲を重んじた。
The Puritan faith valued hard work and abstinence.
Literally 'abstinence principle person'. Emphasizes the denial of pleasures. Often used in philosophical or lifestyle contexts.
彼女は禁欲主義者で、甘いものを一切食べない。
She's a puritan who never eats sweets.
The loanword can also be used for the modern sense, but may sound more like the historical group. Context usually clarifies.
彼は現代のピューリタンみたいに、娯楽をすべて否定する。
He's like a modern-day puritan, rejecting all entertainment.
A colloquial term for a stiff, overly serious person who lacks flexibility, especially regarding morals or fun. Can imply puritanical attitudes.
あいつは堅物だから、冗談が通じない。
That guy is such a puritan; he can't take a joke.