Translation guide
A strict, literal adherence to basic principles, especially in religion. In Japanese, the term is usually expressed with 原理主義 (genrishugi) for religious fundamentalism, or 根本主義 (konponshugi) in some contexts. The concept can also be conveyed descriptively.
A movement or belief in strict, literal interpretation of sacred texts and adherence to traditional doctrines.
The standard term for religious fundamentalism, especially in Christianity and Islam. Often used in compound words like キリスト教原理主義 (Christian fundamentalism) or イスラム原理主義 (Islamic fundamentalism).
He is a Christian fundamentalist.
The rise of fundamentalism is a concern.
A less common term, sometimes used for Christian fundamentalism specifically. It emphasizes going back to the roots or fundamentals.
I attend a fundamentalist church.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a stance that strictly adheres to literal interpretation of the Bible'. Used when explaining the concept rather than labeling it.
They take a position of strict adherence to literal interpretation of the Bible.
A broader, often secular sense of rigidly following fundamental rules or doctrines, such as in politics, economics, or ideology.
Can be extended metaphorically to non-religious contexts, like 'market fundamentalism' (市場原理主義). However, it still carries a connotation of dogmatic belief.
Market fundamentalism is often criticized.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'adherence to principles'. It avoids the religious connotation and can be used in secular contexts.
Means 'dogmatism' or 'doctrinairism'. It emphasizes rigid adherence to a doctrine, often used in political or ideological contexts. Not a direct translation of fundamentalism but overlaps in meaning.
The English word 'fundamentalism' is often directly borrowed as ファンダメンタリズム, but this is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick to 原理主義 or descriptive phrases.
原理主義 is the general term for fundamentalism across religions and secular contexts. 根本主義 is specifically associated with Christian fundamentalism and is less common. In most cases, 原理主義 is the safer choice.
His fundamentalist attitude (strict adherence to principles) caused problems.
His dogmatic (fundamentalist) way of thinking is outdated.