Translation guide
The belief in or worship of multiple gods. In Japanese, this concept is most commonly expressed using the term 多神教, but related expressions exist for specific contexts.
The belief in or worship of multiple gods as a religious system.
The standard, neutral term for polytheism as a religious category. Used in academic, religious, and everyday contexts.
古代ギリシャの宗教は多神教です。
Ancient Greek religion is polytheistic.
多神教では、自然現象や人間の活動に神々が関わっていると考えられています。
In polytheism, gods are believed to be involved in natural phenomena and human activities.
Refers more to the doctrine or theory of polytheism, often used in philosophical or theological discussions.
彼の論文は多神論の起源について論じている。
His paper discusses the origins of polytheism.
Literally 'worship of many gods,' emphasizing the act of worship rather than the belief system. Less common, but can be used in descriptive contexts.
この地域では多神崇拝が今も行われている。
Polytheistic worship is still practiced in this region.
Adjectival use to describe a religion, culture, or worldview that involves many gods.
The adjectival form using の to modify a noun. This is the most natural way to say 'polytheistic' in Japanese.
多神教の信仰体系
a polytheistic belief system
日本は多神教の国と言われることがあります。
Japan is sometimes said to be a polytheistic country.
An adjectival form using 的, often used in more formal or written contexts. It can sound slightly more abstract.
多神教的な世界観
a polytheistic worldview
Expressing polytheism in contrast to monotheism, often in comparative contexts.
A common pattern to explicitly contrast polytheism with monotheism. Useful in explanations or debates.
キリスト教は一神教ですが、ヒンドゥー教は多神教です。
Christianity is monotheistic, but Hinduism is polytheistic.
多神教 (たしんきょう) is the common word for polytheism as a religious system. 多神論 (たしんろん) is more academic and refers to the theory or doctrine of polytheism. In everyday conversation, 多神教 is preferred.
多神教は多くの文化で見られます。
Polytheism is found in many cultures.
多神論の歴史を研究しています。
I study the history of polytheism (as a doctrine).
When talking about Japanese traditional religion, it's common to say 日本は多神教です (Japan is polytheistic) or 日本の宗教は多神教的です (Japanese religion is polytheistic). However, many Japanese people may not use the term 多神教 in daily life; instead, they might describe the presence of many gods (八百万の神, やおよろずのかみ) without labeling it as an '-ism'.
古代世界では多神教が一般的でした。
Polytheism was common in the ancient world.
彼女は多神教についての本を書きました。
She wrote a book about polytheism.