Translation guide
The belief that some races are superior to others, and the discrimination or prejudice based on this belief. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for racial discrimination, prejudice, and related social issues.
The general concept of racism as discrimination or prejudice based on race.
The most common and direct translation for 'racism' as racial discrimination. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
人種差別は許されない。
Racism is unacceptable.
彼は人種差別に反対している。
He is against racism.
Specifically refers to racial prejudice or bias, often used in discussions about unconscious bias.
人種偏見をなくすための教育が必要だ。
Education is necessary to eliminate racial prejudice.
Loanword from English, used in academic or activist contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
レイシズムの問題について議論した。
We discussed the issue of racism.
Racism embedded in social systems, laws, or institutions.
Refers to structural or systemic racism. Used in sociological and political discussions.
構造的人種差別は社会のあらゆる面に影響を与えている。
Systemic racism affects every aspect of society.
Institutional discrimination, often used in legal or policy contexts. Can apply to race or other categories.
制度的差別を是正するための法律が制定された。
Laws were enacted to correct institutional discrimination.
Describing a person who holds racist views or a racist attitude.
A person who advocates or practices racism. Formal and direct.
彼は人種差別主義者だと言われている。
He is said to be a racist.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'racist' (modifying a noun). Used to describe actions, remarks, policies, etc.
彼の人種差別的な発言が問題になった。
His racist remarks became a problem.
Loanword for 'racist' (person). Used in casual or activist contexts, sometimes with a negative connotation.
Intense dislike or fear of people from other races or countries.
Racial hatred. Used in legal contexts (e.g., hate speech laws) and serious discussions.
人種憎悪を煽る行為は犯罪です。
Inciting racial hatred is a crime.
Xenophobia or exclusionism, often targeting foreigners or immigrants. Can overlap with racism.
排外主義の高まりが懸念されている。
The rise of xenophobia is a concern.
While レイシズム exists, it is less common and may sound academic or foreign. In most contexts, use 人種差別 for the concept of racial discrimination.
人種差別 (racial discrimination) is based on perceived biological race, while 民族差別 (ethnic discrimination) is based on ethnicity or cultural groups. In Japanese, these are sometimes distinguished, but 人種差別 is the broader term.
あの人は完全なレイシストだ。
That person is a complete racist.