Translation guide
The English suffix '-ism' forms nouns meaning a doctrine, system, movement, or characteristic quality. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed with the suffix 主義 (しゅぎ) for doctrines and systems, but other patterns exist depending on the nuance.
Expressing a named ideology, philosophy, or organized movement (e.g., capitalism, Buddhism, feminism).
The standard suffix for '-ism' when referring to a doctrine, principle, or systematic belief. Attaches to nouns, often of Chinese origin (kango).
資本主義は世界中に広がっている。
Capitalism has spread throughout the world.
彼は菜食主義者です。
He is a vegetarian.
Used for religious '-isms' or teachings, especially established religions. Often translated as '-ism' in English but literally means 'teaching' or 'religion'.
仏教は日本で広く信仰されている。
Buddhism is widely practiced in Japan.
キリスト教の教会に行った。
I went to a Christian church.
Used for theories, academic '-isms', or intellectual doctrines. Often corresponds to '-ism' in the sense of a theoretical framework.
相対性理論はアインシュタインによって提唱された。
The theory of relativity was proposed by Einstein.
彼は進化論を支持している。
He supports the theory of evolution.
A direct loan from English, used for certain modern or foreign concepts, often in casual or trendy contexts. Not as common as 主義.
最近、ミニマリズムが流行っている。
Minimalism is popular lately.
Describing a distinctive practice, mannerism, or feature (e.g., witticism, truism, Americanism).
Often paraphrased rather than using a direct suffix. Use 〜的な (〜like) or 〜の特徴 (characteristic of) to describe the quality.
それはアメリカ英語的な言い回しだ。
That's an Americanism.
彼の話し方には皮肉っぽい特徴がある。
His speech has a sarcastic quality (sarcasm).
For personal tendencies or habits, 趣味 (taste, hobby) or 癖 (habit) can capture the sense of an '-ism' as a personal style or quirk.
彼は独創的な趣味を持っている。
He has an individualistic taste.
その癖は彼のトレードマークだ。
That mannerism is his trademark.
Referring to a pathological condition (e.g., alcoholism, rheumatism).
The standard medical suffix for '-ism' as a disease or condition. Attaches to nouns describing the ailment.
彼はアルコール依存症で治療を受けている。
He is being treated for alcoholism.
リウマチは関節に痛みを引き起こす。
Rheumatism causes pain in the joints.
Specifically for addictions or poisoning, such as alcoholism or narcotism. Literally 'poisoning'.
アルコール中毒は深刻な問題だ。
Alcoholism is a serious problem.
A word or expression characteristic of a language or style (e.g., colloquialism, archaism).
Use 語法 (usage, wording) or 的表現 (expression characteristic of) to describe a linguistic '-ism'.
この文章には口語的な語法が多い。
This text contains many colloquialisms.
それは古風な表現だ。
That's an archaism.
主義 is the most common translation, but it is not universal. For religions, use 教; for theories, use 論; for medical conditions, use 症. Using 主義 for these can sound unnatural or overly ideological.
仏教 (not 仏主義)
Buddhism
進化論 (not 進化主義)
theory of evolution
If no direct suffix fits, describe the concept using 〜の考え方 (way of thinking), 〜の傾向 (tendency), or 〜的な態度 (attitude). This is often more natural than forcing a suffix.