Translation guide
The Latin word 'caritas' means Christian charity or love, often translated into Japanese using terms for love, charity, or benevolence. This guide covers how to express this concept in Japanese, from common religious terms to philosophical usage.
Express the theological concept of selfless, God-given love for others, as in Christian doctrine.
The general word for 'love'. In Christian contexts, it can refer to caritas when the meaning is clear, but it is broad and may need qualification.
神の愛は無償の愛です。
God's love is unconditional love.
Benevolent love, often used for divine or parental love. Closely matches the selfless aspect of caritas.
In Christianity, charity (caritas) is one of the most important virtues.
Direct loanword from Latin, used in theological or academic contexts. Not widely understood outside Christian circles.
Caritas is the love given by God.
Specifically the theological virtue of charity. Used in Catholic catechism and formal religious texts.
Charity is one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and hope.
Refer to the act of giving to the poor or charitable works, derived from the same Latin root.
Express a general sense of goodwill or loving-kindness toward others, not necessarily religious.
Philanthropic love, universal brotherhood. Often used in secular contexts for caritas-like ideals.
I participated in volunteer work with a spirit of charity.
Benevolence, humanity, often used in Confucian or ethical contexts. Rare in modern speech.
愛 (ai) is the broadest term for love, including romantic love. 慈愛 (jiai) specifically implies a nurturing, benevolent love, often from a superior to an inferior (parent to child, God to humans). カリタス (karitasu) is a direct loanword used only in Christian theology. For general 'charity' in the sense of giving, use 慈善 (jizen).
Using カリタス outside of a Christian context will likely not be understood. Instead, choose a more common term based on the specific nuance: 慈善 for charitable acts, 愛 for love in a broad sense, or 慈愛 for selfless, benevolent love.
教会で施しを求める人々がいた。
There were people asking for alms at the church.
仁愛の心を持って人に接する。
Treat others with a heart of benevolence.