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.
To refer to a person who spreads any religion, not just Christianity.
To describe someone who passionately promotes a cause or idea, like a missionary.
Used figuratively to mean 'missionary for X'. Attach the cause before の.
彼は環境保護の伝道師だ。
He is a missionary for environmental protection.
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.
The standard term for a Christian missionary. Neutral and widely understood.
彼はアフリカで宣教師として働いている。
He works as a missionary in Africa.
宣教師が村に学校を建てた。
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.
伝道師が路上で説教をしている。
The missionary is preaching on the street.
A more formal or literary term for a missionary or preacher. Less common in everyday speech.
布教師として海外に派遣された。
He was dispatched overseas as a missionary.
While primarily associated with Christianity, 宣教師 can be used for missionaries of other religions in a general sense.
仏教の宣教師も海外で活動している。
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.
彼はイスラム教の伝道者だ。
He is an Islamic missionary.
Literally 'propagator of X', used for someone who spreads an idea zealously.
彼女は菜食主義の布教者のようだ。
She is like a missionary for vegetarianism.