Translation guide
Populism is a political approach that claims to represent ordinary people against a corrupt elite. In Japanese, it is often expressed with the loanword ポピュリズム, but related native terms like 大衆迎合主義 and 人民主義 exist. The concept can carry negative connotations of pandering or demagoguery.
Referring to the political ideology or movement that pits 'the people' against 'the elite'.
The most common and direct translation, widely understood in political contexts.
近年、世界中でポピュリズムが台頭している。
In recent years, populism has been on the rise around the world.
Literally 'mass-appeasement-ism', often used critically to describe politicians who pander to popular sentiment without principle.
彼の政策は大衆迎合主義に過ぎないと批判された。
His policies were criticized as nothing more than populism.
A more literal translation ('people-ism'), sometimes used in historical or left-wing contexts, but less common than ポピュリズム.
19世紀の人民主義運動は農民の権利を求めた。
The 19th-century populist movement sought farmers' rights.
Describing a style of politics that appeals to emotions and prejudices rather than rational argument.
Means 'mass agitation' or 'demagoguery', emphasizing the manipulative aspect of populism.
その政治家は大衆煽動で支持を集めた。
That politician gained support through populist demagoguery.
Loanword from 'demagogy', used in political analysis to describe manipulative rhetoric.
彼の演説はデマゴギーに満ちていた。
His speech was full of demagoguery.
Describing a person or their approach as populist.
Noun meaning 'populist' (person).
彼は典型的なポピュリストだ。
He is a typical populist.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'populist' in a critical sense, modifying nouns like 政治家 (politician).
大衆迎合的な政策は長期的には国を損なう。
Populist policies harm the country in the long run.
In Japanese, ポピュリズム often carries a negative nuance, implying shallow pandering. Be cautious when using it in neutral contexts; 大衆迎合主義 is even more critical.
ポピュリズムは時に民主主義を脅かす。
Populism sometimes threatens democracy.
ポピュリズム is a neutral loanword used in academic and media contexts. 大衆迎合主義 explicitly criticizes the act of pandering to the masses. Use ポピュリズム for general discussion, and 大衆迎合主義 when emphasizing the negative aspect.
学術的にはポピュリズムの定義は多様だ。
Academically, the definition of populism is diverse.
彼の大衆迎合主義的な発言が物議を醸した。
His populist remarks caused controversy.
His populist remarks caused controversy.