How to say "extremism" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 過激思想かげきしそうnounExtremism as a set of radical beliefs. 思想 means 'thought', so the word points to the beliefs themselves; it suits describing the radical thinking of a person or group. It is less common.
- 過激主義かげきしゅぎnounExtremism as a doctrine or creed; it also translates 'radicalism'. 主義 is the '-ism' element, so it names the ideology itself, as in discussion of extremism as a social phenomenon. It is less common.
Both words translate 'extremism' as radical belief or ideology; choose 過激思想 to speak of the beliefs themselves as thought, and 過激主義 to name the doctrine or creed, which also covers 'radicalism' — both are less common.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
