Translation guide
A person who supports feminism, or an advocate for women's rights and gender equality.
Referring to someone who believes in and advocates for gender equality, especially women's rights.
The most common and direct translation. Can be used for both men and women. Note that in Japanese, it sometimes carries a slightly negative or radical connotation depending on context, but is widely understood.
Literally 'women's liberation theorist/advocate'. More academic or historical, often associated with the women's liberation movement.
彼女は女性解放論者として知られている。
She is known as a women's liberation advocate.
Literally 'gender equality advocate'. Very formal and rarely used in conversation. More of a dictionary definition.
彼は男女平等主義者として活動している。
He is active as a gender equality advocate.
Describing something as feminist, such as a movement, perspective, or work.
Use フェミニスト as a noun modifier with の. This is the most natural way to say 'feminist' as an adjective.
彼女はフェミニストの視点から意見を述べた。
She gave her opinion from a feminist perspective.
Using 'feminism' as a modifier. Slightly more academic, referring to the ideology rather than the person.
In Japanese, フェミニスト can sometimes be perceived as radical or confrontational, especially in conservative contexts. Some people may avoid the label even if they support gender equality. When in doubt, describing beliefs rather than using the label may be safer.
私は男女平等に賛成です。
I am for gender equality.
彼女は熱心なフェミニストです。
She is a passionate feminist.
彼は自分をフェミニストだと言っている。
He says he is a feminist.
これはフェミニズムの重要な概念です。
This is an important feminist concept.