Translation guide
A person who believes that all events are predetermined and inevitable. This guide covers how to express this concept in Japanese, from direct nouns to describing a fatalistic attitude.
Referring to someone who holds a fatalistic worldview, often as a personal label or description.
The most direct translation, meaning 'fatalist' or 'believer in determinism'. Suitable for both formal and neutral contexts.
He is a fatalist and thinks that effort is futile.
Similar to 運命論者, but with a nuance of 'predestined fate' (宿命). Slightly more literary or philosophical.
Fatalists believe that everything is decided before birth.
A more colloquial way to say 'a person who believes in fate'. Less formal than the single-word terms.
She is a fatalist, so she accepts whatever happens.
Expressing that someone has a fatalistic outlook or approach to life, often used in descriptions rather than as a noun.
Adjectival form meaning 'fatalistic'. Used to describe attitudes, views, or behaviors.
I can't sympathize with his fatalistic way of thinking.
Literally 'attitude of resignation'. Often used to describe a fatalistic acceptance of circumstances, though it emphasizes giving up rather than belief in fate.
A common set phrase meaning 'whatever will be, will be'. Expresses a fatalistic acceptance, often used in casual conversation.
What will be, will be. There's no point worrying.
Referring to the doctrine or concept of fatalism itself, rather than a person.
The term for 'fatalism' as a philosophical concept. Used in academic or intellectual discussions.
Fatalism is a concept that conflicts with free will.
Also means 'fatalism', with a stronger nuance of predestination. Often used in literary or historical contexts.
While 運命論者 is correct, it can sound stiff or academic. In everyday conversation, describing someone's attitude with phrases like 運命を信じている or なるようになると思っている is more natural.
Both mean 'fatalist', but 宿命論者 implies a stronger sense of predestination from birth or a higher power, while 運命論者 is more general. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.
He has a fatalistic attitude and doesn't care about the outcome.
Fatalism is strongly expressed in this novel.