Translation guide
A person sent to promote a religion, especially Christianity, in a foreign country. In Japanese, the most common word is 宣教師 (せんきょうし), but other terms exist depending on context and religion.
To refer to a person sent by a Christian church to spread the faith, often in a foreign country.
The standard term for a Christian missionary. Neutral and widely understood.
He works as a missionary in Africa.
The missionary built a school in the village.
Literally 'evangelist' or 'preacher', often used for missionaries focused on preaching. Can be used for Christian contexts but is broader.
The missionary is preaching on the street.
A more formal or literary term for a missionary or preacher. Less common in everyday speech.
He was dispatched overseas as a missionary.
To refer to a person who spreads any religion, not just Christianity.
While primarily associated with Christianity, 宣教師 can be used for missionaries of other religions in a general sense.
Buddhist missionaries are also active overseas.
A more general term for a propagator of a faith, not limited to Christianity. Can be used for any religion.
To describe someone who passionately promotes a cause or idea, like a missionary.
宣教師 (せんきょうし) specifically implies being sent to a foreign land to spread Christianity, while 伝道師 (でんどうし) is a broader term for a preacher or evangelist, not necessarily abroad. For non-Christian contexts, 伝道者 (でんどうしゃ) is safer.
When using 'missionary' figuratively, do not directly translate as 宣教師 unless the context is clearly religious. Use 伝道師 or 布教者 with の to indicate the cause.
He is an Islamic missionary.
She is like a missionary for vegetarianism.