Translation guide
The English word "advocate" can be a noun (a person who supports a cause) or a verb (to publicly support or recommend). Japanese uses different words for these roles and actions, and the best choice depends on the context.
Referring to someone who speaks or works in favor of something, like a political or social issue.
General term for a person who defends or supports a cause, idea, or person. Neutral and widely used.
彼は人権の擁護者として知られている。
He is known as an advocate for human rights.
Supporter or backer; emphasizes active backing rather than defense. Common in political or social contexts.
彼女は環境保護の強力な支持者だ。
She is a strong advocate for environmental protection.
A proponent or advocate, often used in formal or ideological contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
彼は非暴力の唱道者として尊敬されている。
He is respected as an advocate of nonviolence.
Referring to a legal professional who represents clients in court, especially in Scottish, South African, or similar jurisdictions.
General term for lawyer in Japan. Covers both advocates and attorneys in the English sense.
彼は刑事事件を専門とする弁護士だ。
He is a lawyer specializing in criminal cases.
Specifically a barrister or trial advocate. Used when distinguishing from solicitors in foreign legal systems.
英国では、法廷弁護士が裁判で弁論を行う。
In the UK, advocates present cases in court.
Expressing the action of speaking in favor of something, such as a policy, idea, or course of action.
To assert or argue for something. The most direct and common verb for advocating an opinion or position.
彼は教育改革を強く主張している。
He strongly advocates for educational reform.
To propose or advocate a new idea or method. Often used for introducing something innovative.
その団体は再生可能エネルギーの利用を提唱している。
The organization advocates the use of renewable energy.
To advocate or put forward an idea, often with a sense of proclaiming. Can sound literary or ideological.
To promote or push forward a cause or policy. Emphasizes active advancement rather than just verbal support.
政府はデジタル化を推進している。
The government is advocating digitalization.
主張する is for asserting a stance or opinion, often in debate. 提唱する is for proposing a new idea or method, often with a constructive tone. Use 主張する when you want to emphasize the act of arguing for something; use 提唱する when you are introducing a novel concept.
彼は会議で予算削減を主張した。
He advocated budget cuts at the meeting.
彼女は新しい勤務体系を提唱した。
She advocated a new work system.
The loanword アドボケイト is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to native Japanese terms.
彼女は動物の権利を主張している。
She advocates for animal rights.
彼はホームレスの擁護者として有名だ。
He is a well-known advocate for the homeless.
彼は非暴力の哲学を唱えた。
He advocated a philosophy of nonviolence.