Translation and Meaning of: 宗教 - shuukyou

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 宗教 (shuukyou) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: shuukyou

Kana: しゅうきょう

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

宗教

Translation / Meaning: religion

Meaning in English: religion

Definition: The teachings and doctrines in which people believe and practice their faith.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (宗教) shuukyou

The Japanese word 「宗教」 (shuukyou) refers to "religion." This word is composed of two kanji: 「宗」, which means "ancestral" or "fundamental," and 「教」, which means "teaching" or "doctrine." Together, these characters combine the concept of fundamental teachings or doctrines that are transmitted through generations. This term is used in contexts related to organized belief systems, spiritual practices, and the community that forms around them.

The kanji 「宗」 (shuu) carries a meaning of something that is central or main. It can be related to ideas of lineage or hierarchy, suggesting the importance of ancestors or the foundations of a philosophy or tradition. On the other hand, the kanji 「教」 (kyou) is associated with teaching and is widely used in words that describe systems of learning or doctrines. This combination of the two kanji reflects the idea of a system of thought or belief that is passed down from one generation to another, often through practices taught within a community.

Historically, the idea of religion in Japan, represented by the word 「宗教」, is quite diverse and syncretic. Traditionally, Japan has been a place where various religious influences coexist, including Shintoism, Buddhism, and, to a lesser extent, Christianity and other faiths developed over time. This plurality is also expressed through the flexibility of the word 「宗教」, which not only encompasses organized doctrines but also cultural practices and rituals that go beyond the strictly spiritual context.

In modern Japan, 「宗教」 is a term used to refer to both organized religions and less formal spiritual practices. This broad usage reflects the complexity of Japanese religious identity, where it is common for individuals to engage in multiple rituals without a rigid attachment to a single tradition. Thus, 「宗教」 not only defines religion as a set of beliefs but also as an intrinsic cultural and social aspect of everyday life.

Synonyms and similar words

宗派 (しゅうは) - Sect; branch of a religion.
教派 (きょうは) - Sect; a group within a religious doctrine.
宗 (しゅう) - Religion; a set of spiritual beliefs.
教 (きょう) - Doctrine; religious or philosophical teaching.
信仰 (しんこう) - Faith; belief in something sacred or divine.
信条 (しんじょう) - Belief; a set of principles that guide the faith of a person or group.
信念 (しねん) - Strong belief; conviction based on a strong personal interpretation.
信仰体系 (しんこうたいけい) - Belief system; organized structure of religious beliefs.
信仰観 (しんこうかん) - Perspective of faith; personal way of understanding and interpreting faith.
信仰思想 (しんこうしそう) - Idea of faith; thought related to religious doctrines and beliefs.
宗教的 (しゅうきょうてき) - Religious; related to religion.
宗教的な (しゅうきょうてきな) - Religious; an adjective that denotes traits or aspects of religion.
宗教上の (しゅうきょうじょうの) - Religious; refers to practices or issues related to religion.
宗教的信念 (しゅうきょうてきしんねん) - Religious belief; a conviction based on religious principles.
宗教的信条 (しゅうきょうてきしんじょう) - Religious belief; an organized set of religious principles.
宗教的信仰 (しゅうきょうてきしんこう) - Religious faith; strong belief in deities and religious practices.
宗教的信仰体系 (しゅうきょうてきしんこうたいけい) - System of religious faith; comprehensive structure of religious beliefs and practices.
宗教的信仰観 (しゅうきょうてきしんこうかん) - Perspective of religious faith; personal approach to religion.
宗教的信仰思想 (しゅうきょうてきしんこうしそう) - Idea of religious faith; philosophical concepts related to religion.