Translation guide
This guide helps you express the concept of 'religious' in Japanese, covering personal faith, institutional religion, and figurative devotion.
Describing a person who is religious, devout, or has strong faith.
A common, natural way to say someone is deeply religious or has strong faith. Literally 'faith is thick'.
彼女は信仰心が厚い。
She is deeply religious.
Referring to things associated with a religion, such as institutions, activities, or objects.
The most direct translation, meaning 'of religion' or 'religious'. Use as a modifier.
宗教の自由は基本的人権だ。
Religious freedom is a basic human right.
Describing a non-religious but intense dedication to something, like a hobby or cause.
Saying 「彼は宗教的だ」 (He is religious) can sound unnatural or overly analytical. It's better to use phrases like 「信仰心が厚い」 or 「信心深い」 to describe a person's devoutness.
「宗教の」 is a simple possessive modifier (religious freedom = 宗教の自由). 「宗教的な」 is an adjectival form that describes something as having a religious quality or nature (religious experience = 宗教的な体験). In many cases they overlap, but 「宗教的な」 can sound more abstract.
An adjective meaning devout or pious. Often used for someone who regularly practices their religion.
祖母は信心深い人です。
My grandmother is a devout person.
A slightly more formal or literary adjective meaning pious or devout. Often used in written contexts.
彼は敬虔なクリスチャンだ。
He is a devout Christian.
He participated in a religious ceremony.
An adjectival form meaning 'religious' in a broader sense, often implying a religious nature or character.
その映画には宗教的なテーマがある。
That movie has religious themes.
Literally 'never miss doing ~', used to describe a habitual, almost ritualistic dedication.
彼女は毎朝のジョギングを欠かさない。
She is religious about her morning jog.