How to say "apostle" in Japanese

• 使徒しとCommon
  no-adjectiveCovers 'apostle' in its religious sense: a disciple or follower sent to spread a faith or teaching. Also used figuratively for a devoted advocate of a cause or ideal.
  しかし、使徒しとたちはその危険きけんに気付きづいた。↗

  However the disciples awoke to that danger.
• 開祖かいそCommon
  nounReally means the founder of a sect or school; its 'apostle' sense is only that of an originator or pioneer. For a religious apostle or disciple, this is not the word you want.

Use 使徒 for an apostle in the religious sense — a disciple who spreads a faith or teaching — and 開祖 only when 'apostle' means the founder or originator of a sect, school, or movement.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 使徒しとapostle
• 開祖かいそ(sect) founder