Translation guide
Refers to disciplines involving self-denial, austerity, and rigorous training, often for spiritual or religious purposes. In Japanese, this concept is commonly expressed through terms related to Buddhist or Shugendō asceticism, as well as general self-discipline.
Express the concept of rigorous spiritual disciplines, such as fasting, meditation, or mountain retreats, often in a Buddhist or Shugendō context.
The most common and general term for ascetic practices, especially in Buddhism. It encompasses training, discipline, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
彼は山にこもって厳しい修行をした。
He secluded himself in the mountains and engaged in severe ascetic practices.
Specifically emphasizes painful or harsh austerities, such as fasting, standing under waterfalls, or enduring physical hardship.
滝に打たれる苦行を行う。
Perform the ascetic practice of standing under a waterfall.
Refers to extremely severe or 'rough' ascetic practices, often associated with Shugendō or esoteric Buddhism. Less common in everyday language.
修験道の荒行を体験する。
Experience the rough ascetic practices of Shugendō.
Describe non-religious, strict self-discipline or training, such as in martial arts, sports, or personal development.
Focuses on disciplined training and practice to improve skills or character, often used in martial arts or personal growth contexts.
武道の修練を積む。
Undergo rigorous training in martial arts.
Emphasizes forging or tempering the body and mind through hard training, similar to 'discipline' or 'drill'.
Refer to a way of life that avoids luxury and comfort, often for ethical or spiritual reasons.
Literally 'abstinent lifestyle', this phrase captures the idea of ascetic living without necessarily implying religious practice.
彼は禁欲的な生活を送っている。
He leads an ascetic lifestyle.
Refers to 'honorable poverty' or living simply by choice, often with a spiritual or ethical dimension.
清貧の思想に共感する。
Sympathize with the philosophy of simple living.
修行 (shugyō) is a broad term for spiritual training and discipline, while 苦行 (kugyō) specifically highlights the painful or harsh aspects of asceticism. Use 修行 for general contexts and 苦行 when emphasizing physical austerity.
Avoid directly translating 'ascetic practices' as 禁欲主義の練習 (kin'yoku shugi no renshū), which sounds unnatural. Instead, use the established terms above depending on context.
心身を鍛錬する。
Discipline one's mind and body.