Translation guide
The concept of selfless concern for the well-being of others. In Japanese, this is often expressed through specific terms for self-sacrifice, devotion, or the philosophical ideal of benefiting others, as well as through descriptive phrases.
Expressing the general concept of acting for the good of others without expecting personal gain.
The standard translation for 'altruism' as a philosophical or ethical principle. Common in academic and formal contexts.
彼の行動は利他主義に基づいている。
His actions are based on altruism.
An adjective meaning 'altruistic'. Used to describe actions, attitudes, or people.
彼女はとても利他的な人だ。
She is a very altruistic person.
A less common synonym for 利他主義, sometimes used in psychological or philosophical contexts. Rarely encountered in everyday language.
愛他主義は道徳哲学の重要な概念だ。
Altruism is an important concept in moral philosophy.
Emphasizing the act of sacrificing one's own interests for the sake of others.
Literally 'self-sacrifice'. This is the most common way to express the idea of giving up one's own needs or desires for others. It carries a strong emotional weight and is often used in personal relationships or heroic narratives.
親の自己犠牲には感謝してもしきれない。
I cannot thank my parents enough for their self-sacrifice.
彼は自己犠牲の精神でボランティアを続けた。
He continued volunteering with a spirit of self-sacrifice.
Focusing on the emotional aspect of caring deeply for others and acting on that care.
Means 'devotion' or 'dedication'. It implies giving one's time, energy, or life to a cause or person. Often used for caregivers, volunteers, or professionals like nurses.
彼女の患者への献身は素晴らしい。
Her devotion to her patients is wonderful.
A common phrase meaning 'to devote oneself to others' or 'to do everything one can for others'. It is a natural, everyday way to describe altruistic behavior.
彼はいつも人のために尽くしている。
He is always devoting himself to others.
Expressing the ideal of working for the welfare of all sentient beings, often found in Buddhist or ethical contexts.
A concise term meaning 'benefiting others', central to Mahayana Buddhism. It is often contrasted with 自利 (self-benefit). Used in religious, philosophical, and sometimes secular ethical discussions.
仏教では利他の心が大切にされる。
In Buddhism, the spirit of benefiting others is valued.
A Buddhist term meaning 'benefiting oneself and others'. It expresses the ideal that true self-benefit comes from benefiting others. Sometimes used in modern self-help or business contexts.
自利利他の精神で社会貢献を目指す。
Aim for social contribution with the spirit of benefiting both self and others.
利他主義 is the abstract philosophical concept of altruism. 自己犠牲 emphasizes the sacrifice aspect, often with an emotional tone. 献身 focuses on dedicated, caring action without necessarily implying loss. Choose based on whether you want to highlight the idea, the sacrifice, or the devotion.
利他主義は理論だが、自己犠牲は実践だ。
Altruism is a theory, but self-sacrifice is practice.
Using 利他主義 in casual conversation can sound overly academic or stiff. Instead, describe the action or attitude with phrases like 人のために尽くす or 自分より他人を優先する (prioritize others over oneself).
彼女は腎臓を提供することで大きな自己犠牲を示した。
She showed great altruism by donating her kidney.
Here 自己犠牲 fits better than 利他主義 because it's a concrete act of sacrifice.
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned term meaning 'selfless devotion to public duty'. It implies sacrificing personal interests for the greater good, often associated with samurai ethics or corporate loyalty. Use with caution as it can sound extreme or dated.
滅私奉公の精神が日本の高度成長を支えたと言われる。
It is said that the spirit of selfless devotion supported Japan's high economic growth.