Translation guide
The English word "inquisitor" primarily refers to a historical religious investigator or, by extension, any harsh or relentless questioner. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
The inquisitor interrogated the suspect.
Shorter form, often used in historical or fictional contexts. Can also refer to an interrogator in a broader sense.
He was an inquisitor of the Inquisition.
Literally 'religious judge', sometimes used for inquisitors in a broader sense, but less specific to the Inquisition.
Medieval inquisitors conducted harsh interrogations.
Describing a person who questions others aggressively, like an interrogator or a persistent critic.
General term for an interrogator or questioner, often with a harsh connotation. Suitable for police or formal questioning.
He bombarded me with questions like an inquisitor.
Literally 'strict questioner'. A straightforward way to describe someone who asks tough questions.
Someone who cross-examines or demands answers aggressively. '詰問' implies pressing for an answer.
Referring to a character or title in a fictional setting, often with a specific proper noun.
For well-known fictional inquisitors, the official Japanese name is usually a katakana transliteration (e.g., インクィジター) or a specific translation. Check the official media.
The Inquisitor from Dragon Age: Inquisition
Often used in Japanese fantasy or historical fiction for an inquisitor-like figure, even if not directly translating 'inquisitor'.
Directly translating 'inquisitor' as 異端審問官 in a modern, non-religious context will sound odd. Use 尋問者 or descriptive phrases instead.
If you're talking about a specific historical inquisitor, 異端審問官 is precise. For a metaphorical 'inquisitor' (e.g., a strict teacher), use 厳しい質問者 or rephrase.
At press conferences, she is known as a harsh inquisitor.
My boss pursued my mistake like an inquisitor.
In that game, the inquisitor hunts heretics.