Translation guide
The concept of blasphemy in Japanese is expressed through words for disrespecting sacred things, gods, or religious teachings. The most common term is 冒涜 (ぼうとく), but other expressions exist depending on context.
To express the act of showing contempt or irreverence toward God, gods, or something holy.
The standard word for blasphemy, covering both speech and actions that desecrate or show contempt for sacred things. Often used in religious contexts.
彼の発言は神への冒涜だ。
His remarks are blasphemy against God.
Means disrespect or irreverence, often toward a deity, emperor, or sacred institution. Less specifically religious than 冒涜, but can be used for blasphemy.
神に対する不敬な言葉を吐いた。
He uttered words of disrespect toward God.
A verb phrase meaning 'to blaspheme God' or 'to commit blasphemy against God.'
神を冒涜する行為は許されない。
Acts that blaspheme God are unforgivable.
A more literary or formal term for blasphemy, specifically meaning desecration of a deity. Rarely used in everyday speech.
涜神の罪で告発された。
He was accused of the crime of blasphemy.
To describe words or expressions that are considered offensive to a religious belief or figure.
A common phrase meaning 'blasphemous remarks' or 'blasphemous statements.'
彼の冒涜的な発言が物議を醸した。
His blasphemous remarks caused controversy.
Means 'to blaspheme a religion' or 'to desecrate a religion.'
その漫画は宗教を冒涜していると批判された。
The manga was criticized for blaspheming religion.
To describe actions that show disrespect within a church, temple, shrine, or other holy site.
Literally 'to defile a sacred place,' this phrase conveys the idea of blasphemous behavior through desecration.
教会で騒ぐのは神聖な場所を汚す行為だ。
Making noise in a church is an act that defiles a sacred place.
Means 'act of blasphemy' or 'sacrilegious act,' suitable for describing behavior.
墓を荒らすのは冒涜行為だ。
Desecrating graves is an act of blasphemy.
To express the idea of a person claiming to be God or equal to God, which is considered blasphemous in monotheistic contexts.
Means 'to claim to be God.' This is often seen as the ultimate blasphemy in Christianity.
自分を神と自称するのは冒涜だ。
Claiming to be God is blasphemy.
Literally 'to defile the name of God,' used for actions or words that dishonor God's name.
偽りの預言は神の名を汚すことだ。
False prophecy defiles the name of God.
Blasphemy as a legal or social concept is not as prominent in Japan as in some Western countries. While 冒涜 is the direct translation, the idea of blasphemy may not carry the same weight in a largely secular and polytheistic historical context. Use with awareness of the audience's religious background.
冒涜 specifically implies desecration or profanation of something sacred, often with a sense of pollution. 不敬 is broader, meaning disrespect or irreverence, and can apply to secular authorities like the emperor. For religious blasphemy, 冒涜 is more precise.