Translation guide
The process of society or institutions becoming less influenced by religion. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through specific terms related to the separation of religion from public life, or the decline of religious influence.
The general process by which religion loses social and cultural significance.
The standard term for secularization in sociology and general discourse. Refers to the decline of religious influence in society.
近代化に伴い、多くの国で世俗化が進んだ。
With modernization, secularization progressed in many countries.
Literally 'moving away from religion'. Often used to describe individuals or society losing interest in organized religion.
若者の宗教離れが指摘されている。
It's been pointed out that young people are moving away from religion.
A more academic term meaning 'de-religionization'. Used in scholarly contexts.
この論文は現代社会の脱宗教化を分析している。
This paper analyzes the de-religionization of modern society.
The transfer of institutions (e.g., schools, hospitals) from religious to secular control.
Separation of religion and state. Often used when discussing the legal or constitutional aspect of secularization.
日本国憲法は政教分離を定めている。
The Japanese Constitution stipulates the separation of religion and state.
Secularism as a principle or ideology. Can refer to the advocacy of secularization.
The historical process of transferring church property to secular ownership.
Specifically refers to the secularization of church assets. Used in historical contexts.
宗教改革の際、多くの修道院が解散され、教会財産の世俗化が行われた。
During the Reformation, many monasteries were dissolved and secularization of church property took place.
世俗化 (secularization) is a broad sociological process, while 政教分離 (separation of religion and state) is a specific legal/political principle. Use 政教分離 when discussing constitutional or institutional separation.
世俗化が進む社会では、政教分離が重要な原則となる。
In a secularizing society, separation of religion and state becomes an important principle.
フランスのライシテは厳格な世俗主義の一例だ。
France's laïcité is an example of strict secularism.