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.
He is a pacifist and opposes war.
Literally 'anti-war-ism person'. Emphasizes opposition to war specifically. Slightly more activist connotation.
A group of pacifists held a demonstration.
A person who advocates non-war theory. More academic or ideological. Rare in everyday speech.
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.
His actions are based on pacifism.
Anti-war thought or ideology. Often used in political or historical contexts.
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.
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.
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.
There is a strong pacifist sentiment in this country.
非戦論は古くから存在する。
Pacifist theories have existed since ancient times.