Translation guide
Nationalism refers to strong identification with one's nation and support for its interests, often involving a sense of superiority or political ideology. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is ナショナリズム, but several nuanced words exist depending on context, such as patriotism, ethnic nationalism, or ultranationalism.
The broad concept of nationalism as a political ideology emphasizing national identity and interests.
The most direct and widely understood loanword for 'nationalism'. Used in political, academic, and everyday contexts. Neutral in tone.
彼の演説は強いナショナリズムに満ちていた。
His speech was full of strong nationalism.
Literally 'state-ism'. Refers to nationalism that prioritizes the state's interests, often with a statist or authoritarian connotation. More formal and ideological than ナショナリズム.
その政策は国家主義に基づいている。
That policy is based on nationalism.
Ethnic nationalism; emphasizes shared ethnicity, culture, and heritage rather than just the state. Often used in discussions of ethnic identity and self-determination.
民族主義が高まると、排他的な動きが出ることがある。
When ethnic nationalism rises, exclusionary movements can emerge.
Ultranationalism or extreme nationalism that glorifies traditional culture and rejects foreign influence. Often associated with pre-war Japanese ideology. Has a negative, historical connotation.
国粋主義的な思想は戦前の日本で強かった。
Ultranationalist ideas were strong in pre-war Japan.
A positive feeling of love and devotion to one's country, distinct from political nationalism.
Patriotism; love for one's country. A positive, emotional term without the political baggage of nationalism. Commonly used in everyday speech.
彼は強い愛国心を持っている。
He has a strong sense of patriotism.
Patriotism as an ideology or principle. More formal and less common than 愛国心. Can sometimes overlap with nationalism.
Aggressive or excessive nationalism that promotes one's nation as superior and often leads to hostility toward others.
Xenophobic nationalism; exclusionism. Emphasizes rejection of foreigners or foreign influence. Strongly negative.
排外主義的な政策が支持を集めている。
Xenophobic nationalist policies are gaining support.
Literally 'own-country supremacy-ism'. Similar to 'my country right or wrong' nationalism. Often used in critical contexts.
自国至上主義は国際協調を難しくする。
Nationalism (own-country-first ideology) makes international cooperation difficult.
Ultranationalism (also listed above). Can be used for extreme, chauvinistic nationalism.
ナショナリズム often carries a political or ideological nuance, sometimes negative, while 愛国心 is a more personal, emotional love for one's country and is generally positive. Use 愛国心 for 'patriotism' and ナショナリズム for 'nationalism' as a political concept.
ナショナリズムが高まると戦争につながることもあるが、愛国心は必ずしもそうではない。
Rising nationalism can lead to war, but patriotism does not necessarily do so.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use ナショナリズム unless discussing politics or ideology. For expressing pride in one's country, use 愛国心 or phrases like 国を誇りに思う (to be proud of one's country).
私は自分の国を誇りに思っています。
I am proud of my country.
愛国主義は時にナショナリズムと混同される。
Patriotism is sometimes confused with nationalism.
彼の主張は国粋主義的で危険だ。
His arguments are ultranationalist and dangerous.