How to say "principle" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 原則げんそくnounA general rule or guiding principle that normally holds, as in policies or conduct; the default choice when 'principle' means a basic rule one follows, one that admits exceptions.
- 法ほうnoun, noun (suffix)Chiefly means law: a statute or act. Its 'principle' sense is law-like, so it is not the word for a personal principle or a general rule of conduct.
- 主義しゅぎnounA principle held as a doctrine or creed — a conviction one advocates or lives by; also rendered '-ism', so it suits guiding beliefs and ideologies rather than scientific rules.
- 原理げんりnounA principle as a fundamental truth or underlying theory — the scientific, technical sense of how or why something works, rather than a rule of conduct or a personal belief.
- 旨むねnounSeldom the word you want for 'principle': it really means the gist or main point of what is said or instructed — its 'principle' sense is this 'main purpose' meaning, not a rule or creed.
Choose 原則 for a general rule or guideline, 主義 for a doctrine or creed one holds, 原理 for a fundamental or scientific principle, 法 for law-like principles, and 旨 rarely — it really means the gist.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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