主義者
しゅ
ぎ
しゃ
Meanings
1
advocate; ideologist; ideologue
Refers to a person who actively supports or promotes a particular theory, principle, or ideology. Often used in formal or intellectual contexts.
He is known as an advocate of liberalism.
2
-ist (adherent)
Suffix attached to nouns denoting a belief system or principle to form a word for a follower or adherent. Very productive; e.g., 平和主義者 (pacifist), 菜食主義者 (vegetarian).
She is a vegetarian and doesn't eat any meat.
Usage patterns
- 自称〈事〉主義者a self-proclaimed adherent of ~ism
He calls himself a pacifist, but his actions are contradictory.
- 熱心な主義者a fervent/devoted adherent
She is a devoted environmentalist.
- 〈事〉主義者を名乗るto call oneself an adherent of ~ism
He calls himself a democrat, but in reality he's authoritarian.