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.
彼は殉教者として尊敬されている。
He is revered as a martyr.
初期キリスト教では多くの殉教者が出た。
In early Christianity, there were many martyrs.
Verb form: to die as a martyr for one's faith.
彼は信仰のために殉教した。
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.
彼は主君のために殉死した。
He died for his lord.
A more general phrase meaning 'to die for one's principles'. Not a fixed term, but natural.
彼は自らの主義のために死んだ。
He died for his principles.
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.
To act like a martyr. The suffix ぶる means 'to put on airs of'. Used sarcastically.
彼はいつも殉教者ぶって、自分を犠牲にしていると言う。
He always acts like a martyr, saying he's sacrificing himself.
Spirit of self-sacrifice. Can be used neutrally or to describe someone who is overly self-sacrificing.
彼女の自己犠牲の精神には感心するが、時々やりすぎだ。
I admire her spirit of self-sacrifice, but sometimes she goes too far.
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 made a noble sacrifice for his country.