Translation guide
The English word 'crusade' has two main uses: the historical military campaigns, and a modern figurative sense meaning a vigorous campaign for a cause. This guide helps learners express both naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the medieval Christian military expeditions to the Holy Land.
A vigorous, often moral, campaign for a cause or against something.
The action of campaigning vigorously for a cause.
Standard pattern: 'campaign for ~'. Replace ～ with the cause.
彼女は動物の権利のために運動している。
She is crusading for animal rights.
Using 十字軍 for a modern social campaign sounds odd and overly militaristic. Stick to 運動 or キャンペーン unless you specifically want to evoke a religious war metaphor.
彼は禁煙十字軍を始めた。
He started an anti-smoking crusade. (unnatural)
The standard term for the historical Crusades. Literally 'cross army'. Used for the campaigns themselves.
十字軍は1096年に始まった。
The Crusades began in 1096.
More specific: 'Crusade expedition'. Emphasizes the military expedition aspect.
第1回十字軍遠征はエルサレムを占領した。
The First Crusade captured Jerusalem.
General word for 'movement' or 'campaign'. Safe and natural for most figurative uses. Often combined with modifiers.
彼は環境保護の運動を始めた。
He started a crusade for environmental protection.
Literally 'fight' or 'struggle'. Conveys a sense of battling against something, often used for moral or social crusades.
不正との闘いに人生を捧げた。
He dedicated his life to a crusade against injustice.
Loanword from English 'campaign'. Common in media and advertising contexts, but can be used for advocacy campaigns.
禁煙キャンペーンを展開している。
They are running an anti-smoking crusade.
Literally 'holy war'. Can be used metaphorically for a moral crusade, but carries strong religious connotations. Use with caution.
May sound overly dramatic or religious. Not suitable for casual campaigns.
彼は腐敗との聖戦を宣言した。
He declared a crusade against corruption.
Pattern: 'fight against ~'. Emphasizes opposition.
彼は貧困と闘い続けた。
He continued to crusade against poverty.