Translation guide
A political leader who appeals to emotions and prejudices rather than reason.
To refer to a leader who gains power by exciting emotions and prejudices of ordinary people.
The most direct and common translation. It literally means 'inciting politician' and is widely understood.
He is a dangerous demagogue.
Katakana loanword from English. Used in political commentary, but may not be as immediately understood by all audiences.
The demagogue stirred up the public's anxiety.
A more literal translation, 'people inciter'. It is less common and sounds somewhat academic.
He was denounced as a demagogue.
To describe someone who manipulates a group's emotions, not necessarily in formal politics.
Direct translations like 'デマゴーグ' exist but are less common in everyday Japanese. Using descriptive phrases or '扇動政治家' is often clearer.