Translation guide
A strict, literal adherence to basic principles, especially in religion. In Japanese, the term is usually expressed with 原理主義 (genrishugi) for religious fundamentalism, or 根本主義 (konponshugi) in some contexts. The concept can also be conveyed descriptively.
A movement or belief in strict, literal interpretation of sacred texts and adherence to traditional doctrines.
The standard term for religious fundamentalism, especially in Christianity and Islam. Often used in compound words like キリスト教原理主義 (Christian fundamentalism) or イスラム原理主義 (Islamic fundamentalism).
A broader, often secular sense of rigidly following fundamental rules or doctrines, such as in politics, economics, or ideology.
The English word 'fundamentalism' is often directly borrowed as ファンダメンタリズム, but this is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick to 原理主義 or descriptive phrases.
原理主義 is the general term for fundamentalism across religions and secular contexts. 根本主義 is specifically associated with Christian fundamentalism and is less common. In most cases, 原理主義 is the safer choice.
He is a Christian fundamentalist.
原理主義の台頭が懸念されている。
The rise of fundamentalism is a concern.
A less common term, sometimes used for Christian fundamentalism specifically. It emphasizes going back to the roots or fundamentals.
根本主義的な教会に通っている。
I attend a fundamentalist church.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a stance that strictly adheres to literal interpretation of the Bible'. Used when explaining the concept rather than labeling it.
彼らは聖書の文字通りの解釈を固守する立場を取っている。
They take a position of strict adherence to literal interpretation of the Bible.
Can be extended metaphorically to non-religious contexts, like 'market fundamentalism' (市場原理主義). However, it still carries a connotation of dogmatic belief.
市場原理主義は批判されることが多い。
Market fundamentalism is often criticized.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'adherence to principles'. It avoids the religious connotation and can be used in secular contexts.
彼の原理に固執する態度が問題を引き起こした。
His fundamentalist attitude (strict adherence to principles) caused problems.
Means 'dogmatism' or 'doctrinairism'. It emphasizes rigid adherence to a doctrine, often used in political or ideological contexts. Not a direct translation of fundamentalism but overlaps in meaning.
彼の教条主義的な考え方は時代遅れだ。
His dogmatic (fundamentalist) way of thinking is outdated.