How to say "cult" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

カルトCommon
nounCovers the sense of 'cult' as an unorthodox or extremist religious group, often with a negative nuance. This is the word you want for a cult in the group sense, as in news about cults.
崇拝すうはいJLPT N1approx.Common
noun, suru verb, transitive verbPrimarily means 'worship' or deep admiration, not a cult organization. Its 'cult' sense refers to veneration or adoration of a person or thing, so it is seldom the word you want for a cult group.
その部族ぶぞくは祖先そせんを崇拝すうはいしている。↗
That tribe worships its ancestors.

Use 「カルト」 for the group/movement sense of 'cult' (an unorthodox religious group); use 崇拝 mainly for 'worship' or intense admiration, with 'cult' only in the sense of veneration of a person or thing.

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

Japanese equivalents

カルトcult
崇拝すうはいworship
カルト宗教カルトしゅうきょうcult religion

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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