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.
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.
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.
The 19th-century populist movement sought farmers' rights.
Describing a style of politics that appeals to emotions and prejudices rather than rational argument.
Describing a person or their approach as populist.
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.
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.
Academically, the definition of populism is diverse.
彼の演説はデマゴギーに満ちていた。
His speech was full of demagoguery.
Populist policies harm the country in the long run.
His populist remarks caused controversy.