Translation guide
A guide to understanding and referring to the historical outcast group in Japan, with emphasis on appropriate terminology and cultural context.
burakumin (historical outcast group)
Use with caution; can be considered discriminatory. Often referred to euphemistically.
Referring to the social group historically discriminated against in Japan, often associated with occupations deemed impure.
The direct term, but it carries strong discriminatory connotations. Use only in historical or academic contexts with care.
Avoid in casual conversation; can be highly offensive. Prefer euphemisms or context-specific terms.
Discrimination against burakumin still persists today.
Literally 'discriminated-against burakumin', a more explicit term used in human rights discourse.
A law was enacted to protect the human rights of discriminated burakumin.
Means 'person from a buraku', often used to refer to individuals with buraku ancestry without the direct 'burakumin' label.
He has lived hiding the fact that he is from a buraku background.
In many contexts, it's better to refer to the issue indirectly, e.g., '同和問題' (dōwa mondai, 'assimilation issue') or '人権問題' (jinken mondai, 'human rights issue').
Learn about the dōwa issue (buraku discrimination).
Referring to the neighborhoods or districts historically inhabited by burakumin.
Originally means 'hamlet' or 'community', but in this context refers to buraku settlements. Can be neutral or discriminatory depending on usage.
Using '部落' alone can be ambiguous; clarify if needed.
Old buraku settlements are scattered in that area.
Discussing the ongoing struggle for equality and the movement for buraku liberation.
The term 'burakumin' itself can be considered discriminatory. In Japanese, direct references to buraku background are often avoided in polite conversation. Use terms like '同和地区' (dōwa chiku) or '人権問題' (jinken mondai) when discussing the issue generally.
We should eliminate prejudice against residents of dōwa districts.
When explaining the concept to non-Japanese speakers, it's often helpful to provide historical background about the Edo period class system and the occupations associated with kegare (impurity).
Explicitly 'discriminated-against buraku', used in formal or activist contexts.
I am researching the history of discriminated buraku communities.
Dōwa projects contributed to regional improvement, but there is also criticism.