Translation guide
The English word 'patriarch' can refer to a male head of a family, a founder of a tradition, or a senior religious leader. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To refer to the oldest or most powerful male in a family, who holds authority over other members.
The standard term for the head of a household, regardless of gender, but often implies a male patriarch in traditional contexts.
He is respected as the patriarch of the family.
Specifically means a male patriarch in a patriarchal family system. Often used in sociological or historical contexts.
Under the patriarchal system, the father held absolute power.
Means 'elder' and can be used for a respected senior male in a community or family, but not specifically 'patriarch'.
The village elders gathered to discuss.
To describe a man who is considered the founding figure of a school of thought, art, or organization.
Means 'founder' or 'originator', often used for the first person in a lineage or tradition. Can be used for patriarchs of fields.
He is regarded as the patriarch of modern psychology.
Literally 'father', used metaphorically as in 'father of ~'. Common in phrases like 'father of modern science'.
Specifically the founder of a religious sect or school. More limited than 'patriarch' in this sense.
To refer to a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian denominations, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The standard term for 'patriarch' in Eastern Orthodox and some other Christian contexts.
The Patriarch of Constantinople is the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church.
Means 'archbishop', sometimes used for patriarchs in certain contexts, but not a direct equivalent.
To describe a man who is the senior figure in a non-family group, such as a community or organization.
The English word 'patriarch' covers several distinct concepts. Using a single Japanese word for all contexts will often sound unnatural. Choose the term based on the specific meaning.
He is the patriarch of the family.
He is the patriarch of psychology.
家長 (kachou) is the general term for head of household and can be used for women in modern contexts. 家父長 (kafuchou) specifically implies a male-dominated patriarchal system and is used in academic or historical discussions.
He is called the 'father of modern Japanese literature'.
The patriarch of that sect was a 9th-century monk.
彼はその地域の大主教に任命された。
He was appointed archbishop of the region.
彼は地域の長老として若者たちから慕われている。
He is loved by the young people as the patriarch of the community.