Translation guide
Describes a person who adheres strictly to the basic principles of a religion, ideology, or movement, often in a literal or uncompromising way. In Japanese, the term is usually expressed with loanwords or descriptive phrases depending on context.
A person who strictly follows the literal teachings of a sacred text and advocates a return to traditional doctrines.
Standard term for a religious fundamentalist, especially in Christianity or Islam. Literally 'principle-ism person'.
彼はキリスト教の原理主義者だ。
He is a Christian fundamentalist.
Less common synonym for religious fundamentalist, often used in academic or theological contexts.
根本主義者は聖書の無謬性を信じる。
Fundamentalists believe in the inerrancy of the Bible.
A person who rigidly adheres to the core principles of a political ideology or movement, rejecting compromise.
Also used for non-religious fundamentalism, such as market fundamentalism or political extremism.
市場原理主義者は規制緩和を強く主張する。
Market fundamentalists strongly advocate deregulation.
Refers to a dogmatist, someone who rigidly follows a doctrine. Often used in political or ideological contexts.
彼は教条主義者で、議論の余地がない。
He is a dogmatist and leaves no room for discussion.
Describing beliefs, movements, or attitudes that are fundamentalist in nature.
Adjectival form meaning 'fundamentalist'. Attach to nouns like 考え (thinking) or 運動 (movement).
原理主義的な考え方は危険だ。
Fundamentalist thinking is dangerous.
In casual English, 'fundamentalist' can be used loosely (e.g., 'grammar fundamentalist'). In Japanese, 原理主義者 is strongly associated with religion or rigid ideology. For lighter, metaphorical uses, consider phrases like 〜に厳しい人 (strict about ~) or 〜至上主義者 (~ supremacist).