Translation and Meaning of: 主義 - shugi

The Japanese word 主義[しゅぎ] is a term that frequently appears in political, philosophical discussions, and even in daily life. If you have ever wondered what it means exactly, how it originated, or in what contexts it is used, this article will clarify those doubts. We will explore its meaning, origin, and applications, as well as tips to memorize it and understand its cultural significance in Japan.

The meaning and origin of 主義

主義[しゅぎ] can be translated as "principle," "doctrine," or "ideology." It is often used to describe systems of thought, as in 資本主義[しほんしゅぎ] (capitalism) or 社会主義[しゃかいしゅぎ] (socialism). The word is composed of the kanjis 主 (shu), which means "main" or "master," and 義 (gi), which represents "justice" or "principle." Together, they form a concept that defines a set of central ideas.

The origin of 主義 dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent intense transformations and absorbed many Western terms. It was adopted to translate philosophical and political concepts from Europe, becoming an essential part of modern Japanese vocabulary.

How and when to use 主義 in everyday Japanese

Although 主義 (shugi) is common in theoretical discussions, it also appears in more informal situations. For example, someone might say 私の主義は… (watashi no shugi wa…), which means "My principle is…" to express a personal opinion. However, its stronger usage is still connected to political and philosophical debates.

It is important to note that 主義 is not a word used casually in all conversations. It carries a more formal tone and often appears in academic texts, speeches, or structured discussions. If you want to sound natural, it's better to use it only when the context requires.

The cultural perception and the importance of 主義 in Japan

In Japan, 主義 is seen as a serious word, associated with deep convictions. It is not used lightly, as it refers to well-defined belief systems. This reflects Japanese culture, which values clarity and consistency in ideologies.

An interesting fact is that, although many Japanese people are familiar with terms like 民主主義[みんしゅしゅぎ] (democracy) or 平和主義[へいわしゅぎ] (pacifism), not everyone discusses these concepts in their daily lives. The use of 主義 often depends on each individual's level of political or intellectual engagement.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 思想 (shisou) - Concept or mindset, often related to philosophy.
• 理念 (rine) - Idea or principle that guides thought and actions; more focused on fundamental values.
• 立場 (tachiba) - Position or stance of a person on a certain subject.
• 派閥 (habatsu) - Faction or group within an organization, often linked to specific ideologies.
• イデオロギー (ideorogii) - System of ideas and principles that guide political and social behavior.

主義

Romaji: shugi
Kana: しゅぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: doctrine; rule; principle

Meaning in English: doctrine;rule;principle

Definition: a belief or way of thinking about something.

Example Sentences - (主義) shugi

See below some example sentences:

選挙は民主主義の基本です。

Sensen wa minshu shugi no kihon desu

Elections are the foundation of democracy.

Elections are the basics of democracy.

• 選挙 - Election
• は - Topic particle
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 基本 - foundation, base
• です - verb to be in the polite form

独裁は民主主義の敵です。

Dokusai wa minshu shugi no teki desu

The dictatorship is the enemy of democracy.

Dictators are enemies of democracy.

• 独裁 - ditadura
• は - Topic particle
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 敵 - enemy
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

民主主義は大切な価値観です。

Minshu shugi wa taisetsu na kachikan desu

Democracy is an important value.

Democracy is an important value.

• 民主主義 - democracy
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - adjective particle
• 価値観 - values
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

アメリカは自由と民主主義の象徴です。

Amelika wa jiyū to minshu shugi no shōchō desu

America is a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The United States is a symbol of freedom and democracy.

• アメリカ - America
• は - Topic particle
• 自由 - freedom
• と - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴 - symbol
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

専制主義は民主主義とは対極にある。

Senshoku shugi wa minshu shugi to wa taikyoku ni aru

Despotism is opposite to democracy.

The tube is the opposite of democracy.

• 専制主義 - political system in which power is exercised in an absolute way by a single person or group
• 民主主義 - political system in which power is exercised by the people, through elections and popular participation
• 対極 - opposite, contrary
• にある - to be in, to be present in

投票は民主主義の基本です。

Touhyou wa minshu shugi no kihon desu

Voting is fundamental to democracy.

Voting is the foundation of democracy.

• 投票 (touhyou) - vote
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 民主主義 (minshu shugi) - democracy
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基本 (kihon) - Base, foundation
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

私は自由主義者です。

Watashi wa jiyū shugisha desu

I am a liberal.

I am a liberalist.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 自由主義者 (jiyuu shugi sha) - "リベラル" (riberaru) é a palavra em japonês para "liberal".
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese