Translation guide
The process of society or institutions becoming less influenced by religion. In Japanese, this is typically expressed through specific terms for secularization as a social process, or by describing the separation of religion from public life.
Describing the general trend of religion losing influence in society, culture, or government.
The standard term for secularization as a sociological concept. Used in academic and formal contexts.
近代化に伴い、社会の世俗化が進んだ。
With modernization, the secularization of society advanced.
Literally 'moving away from religion'. Describes the phenomenon of people becoming less religious or detached from organized religion. Common in news and everyday discussion.
若者の宗教離れが指摘されている。
It has been pointed out that young people are moving away from religion.
A more direct translation meaning 'de-religionization'. Less common, used in specific academic or critical discussions.
この政策は教育の脱宗教化を目指している。
This policy aims at the secularization of education.
Referring to the legal or constitutional principle of keeping religion and government separate.
The standard term for separation of religion and state. Used in legal, political, and constitutional contexts.
日本国憲法は政教分離の原則を定めている。
The Constitution of Japan stipulates the principle of separation of church and state.
Literally 'non-religious nature of the state'. A more descriptive phrase used in academic or philosophical discussions.
国家の非宗教性は近代国家の重要な特徴だ。
The secular nature of the state is an important feature of modern nations.
The act of removing religious influence or character from an institution, activity, or object.
The verb form meaning 'to secularize'. Can be used transitively or intransitively.
その学校はカリキュラムを世俗化した。
The school secularized its curriculum.
Literally 'to remove the religious color'. A more colloquial way to express making something less religious or secular.
祭りから宗教色をなくして、地域のイベントにした。
They removed the religious elements from the festival and turned it into a local event.
世俗化 (secularization) refers to the broad social process of religion losing influence, while 政教分離 (separation of church and state) specifically refers to the legal/institutional separation. Use 政教分離 when discussing constitutional principles or government policies.
世俗化が進む社会では、政教分離が厳格に守られる傾向がある。
In societies where secularization advances, separation of church and state tends to be strictly observed.
The English word 'secularisation' does not have a single, all-purpose Japanese equivalent. Using 世俗化 in casual conversation may sound overly academic. For everyday talk about religion's declining role, 宗教離れ is often more natural.