Translation guide
The English word 'martyr' refers to someone who suffers or dies for a cause. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 殉教者 (じゅんきょうしゃ) for religious martyrs, but the concept can also be expressed with words like 犠牲者 (ぎせいしゃ) for victims or 烈士 (れっし) for heroic martyrs. The choice depends on context: religious, political, or figurative.
Someone who dies for their religious faith
The standard term for a religious martyr, especially in Christianity. It specifically means someone who dies for their faith.
彼は殉教者として崇められている。
He is revered as a martyr.
The act of martyrdom itself. Often used in compounds or as a noun.
殉教の精神は多くの人に影響を与えた。
The spirit of martyrdom influenced many people.
Someone who dies for a political cause or belief
A person of high principles who dies for their cause; often used for political martyrs or heroes.
彼は自由のために戦った烈士だ。
He was a martyr who fought for freedom.
Someone who dies in the line of duty or for a noble cause; less common but appropriate for non-religious martyrs.
殉難者の家族に弔意を表する。
We express condolences to the families of the martyrs.
Someone who suffers greatly or sacrifices themselves for a cause, not necessarily dying
Literally 'victim' or 'sacrifice'. Can be used for someone who suffers for a cause, but it's broader and doesn't imply death necessarily.
彼は会社のために犠牲者になった。
He became a martyr for the company.
To devote oneself or sacrifice oneself. Used when someone gives up their life or well-being for a cause.
彼女は芸術に身を捧げた。
She martyred herself for art.
A person who habitually seeks suffering or self-sacrifice to gain sympathy or moral superiority
Direct loan from English 'martyr complex'. Used in psychological contexts.
彼女は殉教者コンプレックスがある。
She has a martyr complex.
Self-sacrificing attitude; describes the behavior without using the loanword.
彼の自己犠牲的な態度にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his martyr-like attitude.
When using 'martyr' figuratively (e.g., 'He's such a martyr about his job'), do not directly translate with 殉教者. Instead, use 犠牲者 or describe the behavior with phrases like 自己犠牲的.
殉教者 is specifically for religious martyrs, while 烈士 is for political or ideological martyrs. Using 殉教者 for a political martyr may sound odd.