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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Xenophobic nationalist policies are gaining support.
Literally 'own-country supremacy-ism'. Similar to 'my country right or wrong' nationalism. Often used in critical contexts.
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.
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).
I am proud of my country.
Patriotism is sometimes confused with nationalism.
Nationalism (own-country-first ideology) makes international cooperation difficult.
His arguments are ultranationalist and dangerous.