Translation guide
A political leader who appeals to emotions and prejudices rather than reason.
To refer to a leader who gains power by exciting emotions and prejudices of ordinary people.
The most direct and common translation. It literally means 'inciting politician' and is widely understood.
彼は危険な扇動政治家だ。
He is a dangerous demagogue.
To describe someone who manipulates a group's emotions, not necessarily in formal politics.
Direct translations like 'デマゴーグ' exist but are less common in everyday Japanese. Using descriptive phrases or '扇動政治家' is often clearer.
Katakana loanword from English. Used in political commentary, but may not be as immediately understood by all audiences.
そのデマゴーグは大衆の不安をあおった。
The demagogue stirred up the public's anxiety.
A more literal translation, 'people inciter'. It is less common and sounds somewhat academic.
彼は民衆煽動者として非難された。
He was denounced as a demagogue.
General term for 'agitator' or 'inciter'. Can be used for non-political contexts.
彼はただの扇動者に過ぎない。
He's nothing but a demagogue.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'leader who appeals to emotions'. Useful when explaining the concept.
感情に訴える指導者は危険だ。
Leaders who appeal to emotions are dangerous.