Translation guide
The concept of dying or suffering for a cause, faith, or belief. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the word 殉教 (junkyō) for religious martyrdom, but broader or metaphorical uses may require different expressions.
Dying for one's religious faith, especially in Christianity or Islam.
The standard term for religious martyrdom. Often used in historical or formal contexts.
He is revered as a martyr.
In early Christianity, there were many martyrs.
Verb form: to die as a martyr for one's faith.
He died a martyr for his faith.
Dying or suffering greatly for a non-religious cause, such as political beliefs, nation, or ideology.
Literally 'following one's lord in death'. Historically used for samurai who committed seppuku after their master's death. Can be extended to dying for a cause or person.
He died for his lord.
A more general phrase meaning 'to die for one's principles'. Not a fixed term, but natural.
Sacrifice. Often used in contexts of giving one's life for a cause, though broader than martyrdom.
Describing someone who acts like a martyr in everyday situations, often with a negative connotation of self-pity or seeking sympathy.
The English word 'martyrdom' is often translated as 殉教, but this specifically refers to religious martyrdom. For non-religious contexts, use 殉死 (historical) or phrases like 主義のために死ぬ. Avoid using 殉教 for secular causes unless you intend a religious connotation.
殉教 (junkyō) is for religious faith, while 殉死 (junshi) is for loyalty to a lord or cause, historically associated with samurai. 殉死 is rarely used in modern contexts except historically or metaphorically.
He died for his principles.
He made a noble sacrifice for his country.
I admire her spirit of self-sacrifice, but sometimes she goes too far.