Translation guide
The worship of idols or excessive admiration for someone or something. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for religious idol worship and metaphorical expressions for extreme devotion.
To refer to the practice of worshipping idols or images as gods, especially in a religious context.
The standard term for idol worship in a religious sense. It directly translates to 'idol worship' and is used in theological or academic contexts.
Idolatry is forbidden in many religions.
A less common variant meaning 'idol worship', often used in Christian contexts. It emphasizes the act of worshipping idols.
The Bible warns against idolatry.
To describe an extreme, often uncritical, admiration for a person, idea, or thing, likened to worship.
Literally 'idolization', this term is used metaphorically to describe treating someone or something as an idol. It implies excessive admiration.
His fans idolize him.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'affection akin to worship'. It conveys the idea of idolatry in a non-religious sense, often used in literary or psychological contexts.
Means 'blind worship'. It emphasizes the uncritical nature of the devotion, often used in critical or analytical writing.
偶像崇拝 is strictly religious, while 偶像化 is metaphorical and used for excessive admiration of celebrities, leaders, or concepts. Using 偶像崇拝 for non-religious contexts can sound overly dramatic or theological.
She harbors an affection for that singer that borders on idolatry.
Blind idolatry toward that politician is dangerous.