How to say "philosophy" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

哲学てつがくJLPT N3approx.Common
nounCovers philosophy as an academic discipline or system of thought — the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values, as in studying philosophy at university.
その学生がくせいは哲学てつがくを専攻せんこうしている。↗
The student majors in philosophy.
コンセプトCommon
nounA loanword whose basic senses are intention, aim, and design; its 'philosophy' sense is the guiding idea behind a design, product, or plan, not the academic discipline.

Use 哲学 for philosophy as an academic discipline or system of thought; use 「コンセプト」 for the guiding idea or 'philosophy' behind a design, plan, or product.

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

Japanese equivalents

哲学てつがくphilosophy
フィロソフィーphilosophy
哲理てつりphilosophic principles
悟道ごどう(the path of spiritual) enlightenment
コンセプトintention

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

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