Translation guide
The English word 'dogma' refers to a set of principles or beliefs that are accepted as authoritative and not to be questioned. In Japanese, the most direct equivalent is 教義 (kyōgi), but depending on context, other terms like ドグマ (doguma) or 教条 (kyōjō) may be used. This guide helps learners choose the right expression for religious, philosophical, or general contexts.
To refer to the official teachings or doctrines of a religion, especially those considered unquestionable.
The standard term for religious dogma or doctrine. Neutral and widely understood.
キリスト教の教義を学ぶ。
I study Christian dogma.
その教義は何世紀にもわたって変わっていない。
That dogma has remained unchanged for centuries.
Similar to 教義 but often used in Protestant contexts or for systematic teachings. Slightly more academic.
プロテスタントの教理を研究する。
I research Protestant dogma.
Katakana loanword from English. Used mainly in theological or philosophical discussions, often with a nuance of rigid, unquestionable belief. Less common than 教義.
教会のドグマに疑問を呈する。
I question the dogma of the church.
To refer to a principle or belief that is accepted without proof or questioning, often in non-religious contexts like politics or science.
Often used for ideological dogma, especially in political or philosophical contexts. Can carry a negative connotation of rigid adherence.
彼の考えは教条的だ。
His thinking is dogmatic.
マルクス主義の教条に縛られる。
I am bound by Marxist dogma.
Also used in secular contexts to emphasize the unquestionable nature of a belief. Slightly more emphatic than 教条.
Means 'established theory' or 'accepted view'. Not exactly 'dogma', but can be used when an idea is treated as unquestionable truth in academic or intellectual circles.
To describe a personal or collective attitude of inflexible adherence to certain beliefs, often with a negative nuance.
A phrase meaning 'dogmatic belief'. Useful when you want to emphasize the arbitrary, unquestioning nature of the belief.
彼は独断的な信念を持っている。
He holds dogmatic beliefs.
Means 'fixed idea' or 'stereotype'. Can be used when dogma refers to a rigid mindset rather than a formal doctrine.
固定観念にとらわれずに考えよう。
Let's think without being bound by dogma.
Literally 'dogmatism'. Refers to the practice of adhering rigidly to dogma. Often used in political or ideological criticism.
教義 (kyōgi) is the standard term for religious dogma. 教条 (kyōjō) is more common for ideological or political dogma and often implies rigidity. ドグマ (doguma) is a direct loanword used in both religious and secular contexts but sounds more technical or emphatic. For everyday use, 教義 or 教条 are safer choices.
宗教の教義と政治の教条は区別すべきだ。
Religious dogma and political dogma should be distinguished.
While ドグマ is understood, it can sound overly academic or foreign. In casual conversation, it's often better to rephrase using 教義, 教条, or descriptive phrases like 絶対的な考え (absolute idea).
Dogma exists even in the world of science.
その定説に挑戦する研究者もいる。
Some researchers challenge that dogma.
教条主義に陥ってはいけない。
We must not fall into dogmatism.