Translation guide
Taoism (also spelled Daoism) is a Chinese philosophy and religion. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 道教 (どうきょう). This guide covers how to talk about Taoism in Japanese, including its philosophy, texts, and related concepts.
Referring to Taoism as a whole, the Chinese philosophical and religious tradition.
The standard term for Taoism as a religion or philosophy. Used in academic, formal, and everyday contexts.
道教は中国の伝統的な宗教です。
Taoism is a traditional Chinese religion.
彼は道教の思想に影響を受けている。
He is influenced by Taoist thought.
Refers specifically to the philosophical aspect of Taoism, based on Laozi and Zhuangzi. Often used in academic or intellectual contexts.
老荘思想は無為自然を重んじる。
Lao-Zhuang thought values naturalness and non-action.
Can mean 'Taoist' (a person) or 'Taoist school'. Less common than 道教 for the religion itself.
彼は道家の学者です。
He is a scholar of Taoism.
Referring to the classic texts of Taoism, such as the Tao Te Ching or Zhuangzi.
Refers to both the philosopher Laozi and his text, the Tao Te Ching (also known as 老子道徳経).
老子を読んでいます。
I'm reading the Tao Te Ching.
Refers to both the philosopher Zhuangzi and his text.
荘子の寓話は面白い。
The parables in the Zhuangzi are interesting.
The full title of the Tao Te Ching. Less commonly used than 老子.
道徳経は81章から成る。
The Tao Te Ching consists of 81 chapters.
Expressing central ideas of Taoism, such as the Tao, wu-wei, yin-yang, etc.
The Tao (the Way). The fundamental concept of Taoism. Often used in compound words.
道は名づけられる道ではない。
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
Wu-wei, non-action or effortless action. A core Taoist principle.
無為自然が理想とされる。
Naturalness and non-action are considered ideal.
Yin and yang, the complementary forces. While originating in Chinese thought, it is widely used in Japanese.
Taiji, the Supreme Ultimate, often associated with Taoist cosmology and the yin-yang symbol.
Referring to Taoist rituals, alchemy, or folk religious elements.
Taoist rituals or ceremonies.
道教の儀式は複雑だ。
Taoist rituals are complex.
Immortal or mountain wizard, a figure in Taoist folklore.
仙人は不老不死を求める。
Immortals seek eternal youth and life.
Taoist deities or gods.
道教の神々は多様だ。
Taoist deities are diverse.
In English, both 'Taoism' and 'Daoism' are used. In Japanese, the standard term is 道教 (どうきょう), which does not reflect this spelling variation. When speaking Japanese, simply use 道教.
道教 (どうきょう) refers to Taoism as a religion, including its rituals, deities, and folk practices. 老荘思想 (ろうそうしそう) refers specifically to the philosophical teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, often studied as part of Chinese philosophy. Use 道教 for the broader religious tradition, and 老荘思想 when focusing on the philosophical texts and ideas.
陰陽のバランスが大切だ。
The balance of yin and yang is important.
太極図は陰陽を表す。
The Taiji diagram represents yin and yang.