Translation guide
The English word 'pacifist' can refer to a person who opposes war and violence, or to the ideology itself. In Japanese, there are distinct terms for the person and the belief, as well as related expressions for anti-war sentiment.
Referring to someone who believes in pacifism as a personal conviction.
Standard term for a pacifist person. Literally 'peace-ism person'. Neutral and widely understood.
彼は平和主義者で、戦争に反対している。
He is a pacifist and opposes war.
Literally 'anti-war-ism person'. Emphasizes opposition to war specifically. Slightly more activist connotation.
反戦主義者のグループがデモを行った。
A group of pacifists held a demonstration.
A person who advocates non-war theory. More academic or ideological. Rare in everyday speech.
彼は非戦論者として知られている。
He is known as a pacifist thinker.
Referring to the belief system or philosophy that opposes war and violence.
Pacifism as a principle. The most common term for the ideology.
彼の行動は平和主義に基づいている。
His actions are based on pacifism.
Anti-war thought or ideology. Often used in political or historical contexts.
この国には強い反戦思想がある。
There is a strong pacifist sentiment in this country.
The theory or argument against war. More abstract and less common in daily conversation.
Using 'pacifist' as an adjective to describe a person, stance, or policy.
Attach to a noun to mean 'pacifist'. E.g., 平和主義の立場 (pacifist stance).
彼は平和主義の立場を取っている。
He takes a pacifist stance.
Anti-war (adjective). More direct and activist tone.
反戦の歌を作った。
I wrote a pacifist song.
平和主義者 is a broader term for someone who believes in peace as a principle, while 反戦主義者 specifically emphasizes opposition to war. In many contexts they overlap, but 反戦主義者 can sound more politically active.
彼は平和主義者だが、必ずしもデモには参加しない。
He is a pacifist, but doesn't necessarily join demonstrations.
平和者 (へいわしゃ) is not a standard word. Always use 平和主義者 for a pacifist person.
非戦論は古くから存在する。
Pacifist theories have existed since ancient times.