Translation guide
The swastika is a cross with arms bent at right angles. In English, it is most strongly associated with Nazi Germany. In Japan, the swastika (卍) is a traditional Buddhist symbol of good fortune and is commonly seen on maps to mark temples. The Nazi swastika is referred to separately.
The traditional swastika used in Buddhism and other Asian religions, representing good fortune, eternity, and the Buddha's heart.
The standard Japanese word for the Buddhist swastika. It is a positive symbol and appears on temple maps (often as a left-facing 卍).
地図で卍のマークはお寺を表します。
On maps, the swastika mark indicates a temple.
このお寺の門に大きな卍が彫ってあります。
A large swastika is carved on the gate of this temple.
An alternative kanji spelling for the Buddhist swastika, literally 'ten-thousand character', emphasizing the positive meaning of eternity.
万字は吉祥の印です。
The swastika is a symbol of good fortune.
The hooked cross used as the emblem of Nazi Germany, associated with hate and antisemitism.
The most common and specific term for the Nazi swastika. It is a loanword from German 'Hakenkreuz' (hooked cross).
ハーケンクロイツはナチスの象徴です。
The swastika is a symbol of the Nazis.
彼はハーケンクロイツの旗を燃やした。
He burned a flag with a swastika.
Literally 'hooked cross', a direct translation of the German term. Used in historical or formal contexts.
Sometimes used to refer to the Nazi swastika in informal contexts, but this can cause confusion with the Buddhist symbol. Use with caution.
Using 卍 for the Nazi symbol may be ambiguous or offensive. Prefer ハーケンクロイツ for clarity.
In Japan, the swastika (卍) is primarily a religious symbol and is not associated with Nazism in everyday life. However, due to Western influence, many Japanese are aware of the Nazi connotation. When discussing the Nazi symbol, use ハーケンクロイツ to avoid misunderstanding.
日本では卍は仏教のシンボルで、ハーケンクロイツとは別物です。
In Japan, the swastika is a Buddhist symbol and is different from the Nazi swastika.
The Buddhist swastika can face left (卍) or right (卐). In Japan, the left-facing version is more common on maps. The Nazi swastika is typically right-facing and tilted at 45 degrees.
鉤十字はドイツの国旗に使われていた。
The hooked cross was used on the German flag.
あの落書きは卍だった。
That graffiti was a swastika.